Youth & Family Services

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

For more information, please call 508-366-3090 or email us at yfs@town.westborough.ma.us

Ukraine Statement from Youth & Family Service 

Director Cara Presley 

March 8, 2022

Dear Westborough Community,

In light of Russia’s active invasion of Ukraine, I am reaching out to you with care for our shared mental health as we once again face inexplicable violence in our world. I was inspired to make a public statement after meeting with the Youth Commission last week, when more than a dozen high school students expressed their concern, questions and outrage about the events in Ukraine. Please know that it is with the encouragement and backing of those wise and thoughtful young Commission members and their adult counterparts that I am writing to you today, offering information and support.

All of us have become unfortunately accustomed to exposure to real-life violence reported by the media. But just because this exposure is common, that doesn’t mean that we are immune its negative effects. Kids, in particular, are vulnerable to negative emotional and mental health impacts of watching and hearing about Ukrainian people being hurt or killed, having their homes and schools destroyed and fleeing their country for safety. Children are looking to us, the trusted adults in their lives, for information and reassurance that their own world is a safe place. To help our children, please consider the following:

• Limit exposure to media
• Invite questions and feelings
• Share facts and be honest about what you do and don’t know
• Keep in mind developmental levels when considering what and how much to share
• Brainstorm with older children about opportunities for action
• Breathe deeply together
• Write, create, move your bodies, listen to and make music; be in nature
• Keep an eye out for signs of anxiety, withdrawal and other emotional distress and seek help

These excellent articles offer more detailed information and guidance:

• "How to talk to kids about Ukraine" - NYTime
• "How to talk to kids about the Ukraine invasion" PBS (for elementary, early middle school)

If you think that you or your loved one may benefit from talking to a mental health professional, please reach out to us at Westborough Youth and Family Services, at 508-366-3090, visit our website at www.town.westborough.ma.us/youth-and-family-services, or call the Interface Referral Service at 888-244-6843.

With care,

Cara Presley, LICSW

Westborough Youth and Family Services

Youth & Family Services Mission Statement:

To provide counseling and social services to Westborough residents and to promote behavioral health and wellness for the entire community.

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