At some point the physical risk of COVID-19 will lessen but the long-term impact that this pandemic will have on our behavioral health will be felt for a long time. Social distancing may be a protective factor in preventing virus transmission, as focusing on healthy relationships can be protective against behavioral health challenges. Social distancing is specifically increasing risk at the community level by changing our norms, decreasing our neighborhood attachments, increasing community disorganization, and increasing economic deprivation. Many families will be struggling with management, conflict, and academic expectations. It is important that we don’t let social distancing efforts diminish the protective factors in our lives that build our resiliency. The Search Institute, focused on youth development, has outlined the following principles that can help our families, especially youth:

1. Express Care: Show me that I matter to you. 2. Challenge Growth: Push me to keep getting better. 3. Provide Support: Help me complete tasks and achieve goals.4. Share Power: Treat me with respect and give me a say. 5. Expand Possibilities: Connect me with people and places that broaden my world.

Relationships matter in prevention.

Angela Duhaime

Norwich