So far during the Check-In Challenge, we’ve checked in on the mental health of people in our closer circles. This week, we will venture further and check in with our neighbors.
Now more than ever is the perfect time to introduce yourself to your neighbor and ask how they are getting along during the pandemic. As a bonus, research shows that being kind boosts happiness and well-being by producing “feel good” hormones like oxytocin and dopamine.
Don’t worry: You can still be a good neighbor while practicing physical distancing. Try tucking a note in their mailbox or under the door. Stop by in person to check in or call or text.
Here are eight things you can say to a neighbor when checking-in:
- “I’m stopping by the grocery store; let me know if you need anything.”
- “How have you been feeling?”
- “What’s been going on?”
- “What’s keeping you busy these days?” or “What have you been up to?”
- “How are things?” (This is a less pointed question that helps keep the conversation casual with someone who doesn’t know you well.)
- “How are you handling things?” (This recognizes the challenging times but is still general to allow them to determine how much they might share.)
- “How are your kids adjusting to so many changes at school?”
- “I was wondering how you are.” Try writing something like this in a note. It’s a low-pressure, open-ended phrase that lets them know you’re thinking of them and allows them to respond how they’d like.
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Get mental health resources from CHOC pediatric experts
The mental health team at CHOC curated the following resources on mental health topics common to kids and teens, such as depression, anxiety, suicide prevention and more.
