With schools set to open in just a few weeks and numbers continuing to rise throughout the United States, parents across Chicagoland are struggling with what to do. Most schools have already released their plans with many offering both in-school and remote options but the burden is intense.

“We have never seen anything of this enormity in modern times where it affects everyone, in every neighborhood, every town, every city, every state. COVID-19 has touched every single person in the US, whether they want to admit it or not. Our lives have been completely upended. Normal is non-existent,” says Dr. Pavan Prasad, founder of Chicago’s Clarity Clinic.

While new information about the coronavirus surfaces each day, a new study out of South Korea shows those ages 10-19 can spread it just as well as adults. Those findings suggest if schools reopen communities will see clusters of infection and that has many worried. “Although the risk seems to be considerably low right now for children catching the virus, they are not immune. In addition, to bringing it home to family members they could also potentially infect teachers and staff. You must consider the amount of weight not only parents are carrying right now but for teachers as well. Yes, this is their job, a job they love but they also want to protect themselves and their loved ones as well and rightfully so,” adds Prasad.

According to a recent poll by the Kaiser Family Foundation, 4 in 10 Americans are experiencing both worry and stress directly related to the coronavirus and 31 percent of have reported at least some difficulty in paying their bills.

“Is there a perfect answer, absolutely not. But it is important to remember to continue take that time for yourself as we move forward. Whether that looks like stepping into the bathroom and locking the door behind you to take a 2-minute break to breathe and calm your thoughts, calling a supportive friend and/or family member, talking a walk, watching your favorite show after the kids have gone to bed. Anything that you can do to calm that anxiety in the moment, to be mindful and present. Many of us have heard the phrase “one day at a time” our entire lives, that phrase was made for this time. We will get through this together, one day at a time,” says Prasad.

If you are feeling hopeless right now or simply need someone to listen, please seek professional help. Though patients are not able to be seen in an office setting right now, professionals are still available via telehealth.