There are somethings we can do to cope with all the changes:

• Be kind to yourself. We have all been through a tough period. The lockdowns and physical distancing have been a hard time for everyone. Be easy on yourself for feeling whatever you are feeling!
• Listen to yourself and your needs. Listen to that “gut feeling” and do what makes you feel comfortable. It might take some time to get back to socializing the way we used to.
• Read information from sources that you know are trustworthy. There are many different things being said about COVID-19 at this time, but not everything is true. When we read or hear information from trustworthy sources it can help us to not get overwhelmed.!
• Create a routine. Having a routine can help us feel calm and in control. A routine can involve: a set bedtime or dedicating time to an activity after school.
• Connect to your friends so you can have fun together. Talk to them when you feel like it. It can be a great relief to share a bit of what you are struggling with. Who knows, they may be struggling with the same things and you can be there for each other!
• Stay in the moment. Thinking too much about the future or the past can cause us to feel stressed or anxious. Letting go of what we can’t control and focusing on the present moment can help us to not get overly stressed.

When you see people around you struggling with adjusting to the new reality, there are things we can do to help:

• Be there for them. Stay in contact, either online or in person.
• Have some fun together! Play your favorite video game, go to the mall like you used to, work out or watch a movie or TV show. Taking their mind off things brings them joy and relaxation!
• Listen: listen without distraction to their story. You don’t have to have answers or solutions, just be there and show them that you understand that they are struggling.

We all had different experiences during lockdown. For some of us, our home was not a safe environment to be in. Some of us may have experienced abuse at home during the lockdown. If you experience any form of abuse, reach out to these hotlines in the UAE.

Abuse hotline: Primary phone number: 800 51115 or call 80085

Or call:

• 800 988
• 800 7283
• 800 111
• 800 700 (Sharjah)
• Or call the Hemaya foundation for Children and Women in Ajman: 800 446292

If you are unable to make the call yourself, please reach out to a trusted adult, such as a teacher or someone at school who can help you.

Calling from outside of the UAE:

If you are outside of the UAE, find a hotline in your area by looking online. You can search for “abuse hotline” or “children helpline”. You might find this number on a government website, or maybe a brochure in your doctor’s office or from the school counselor. If you cannot find any phone numbers, call a local hospital or the police.