Featured Resources:

Downtime Dialogue: Coping with Grief and Ambiguous Loss During this Exceptional Time

This 20-minute video features Linda Reddish, Extension Educator discussing the concept of ambiguous loss. During the video, she will provide a broad overview of grief, and define mourning and bereavement. Then, mid-way through the video, she discusses Dr. Pauline Boss's theory of ambiguous loss and there is a short conversation between her and her son discussing their individual and collective experience of this loss as a family in response to the pandemic. The video closes with some suggested coping strategies and resource to support young children bounce back after experiencing a difficult event.

To learn more or healthy ways to cope with ambiguous loss please visit ambiguousloss.com

To find help, understanding, comfort and hope after suffering a loss please visit griefsjourney.org

To download free storybook guides and a list of suggested books to support children’s coping visit child.unl.edu/read4resilience.

Pandemic Related Stress in Rural Nebraska

This Facebook Live event for ag producers, farmers, and ranchers provided an opportunity to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on the agricultural industry. Held on May 26, 2020, information and resources were shared by Dr. Cate Jones-Hazeldine, Western Nebraska Behavioral Health; Dr. Tara Wilson, Chadron State College, and Glennis McClure, Nebraska Extension. The event was hosted by Nikki Carritt, MPH, Director of Rural Health Initiatives, at UNMC.

Watch the Recording on YouTube

COVID Coach

COVID Coach is a free mobile app, designed to provide resources and enhance emotional support during this pandemic. The app is private and secure, no email account or password is required, and user data is not collected. COVID Coach offers access to anxiety management tools such as audio-guided mindfulness and deep breathing, as well as exercises designed to address anxiety, trauma reactions, and relationship conflict. It also has quick links to resources for finding crisis care and mental health support, and service agencies for families and those seeking basic fundamentals. Developed by the National Center for PTSD at the VA.

Download for iPhone

Download for Android

Resources - COVID-19:

Podcasts - Audocasts

• Taking Care During Tough Times Videos/Audio
• Ag State of Mind with Jason Medows - all episodes | Bonus episode on COVID-19 featuring Agrisafe Network
• Rural Family Stress and Wellness Media Channel on UNL MediaHub
• Podcast: "Stronger Together" - Literacy Development

More Resources - COVID-19:

• Staying Connected During Social Distancing
• Severe Weather Preparedness During COVID-19
• 7 Actions You Can Take Today to Manage COVID-19 Stress: Dr. Dave Miers, Bryan Medical Center
• Five Ways to View Coverage of the Coronavirus (American Psychological Association)
• COVID-19 Resources for Ag Communities (UNMC - Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health)
• (English | Spanish) Taking Care of Your Behavioral Health: Tips for Social Distancing, Quarantine, and Isolation During an Infectious Disease Outbreak (SAMHSA)
• (English) Talking With Children: Tips for Caregivers, Parents, and Teachers During Infectious Disease Outbreaks (SAMHSA)
• (Spanish) How to Cope with Sheltering in Place (SAMHSA)
• COVID-19 Multilingual Resources
• Coronavirus and Emerging Infectious Disease Outbreaks Response (Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress)
• Webinar: Managing Stress in a Pandemic: Dr. Heidi Radunovich, a licensed clinical psychologist at UF/IFAS