Family Wellness Tip
Remember, during this pandemic, we are all likely experiencing some level of grief and loss from this natural disaster. However, some of us have additional life stressors that were already impacting us before COVID-19. Our families are experiencing more toxic stress than ever before.
Remember, during this pandemic, we are all likely experiencing some level of grief and loss from this natural disaster. However, some of us have additional life stressors that were already impacting us before COVID-19. Our families are experiencing more toxic stress than ever before.
GOOD NEWS
GOOD NEWS
Your actions can make it more tolerable.
Your actions can make it more tolerable.
As a parent, you do your best to show you are calm, confident and in control. This is a great place to start.
As a parent, you do your best to show you are calm, confident and in control. This is a great place to start.
As we highlighted in last week's tip, adults that use calming strategies for themselves are better able to support their children's ability to cope with high stress.
As we highlighted in last week's tip, adults that use calming strategies for themselves are better able to support their children's ability to cope with high stress.
You may have heard that sometimes stress is GOOD. And you would be right.
You may have heard that sometimes stress is GOOD. And you would be right.
Take a moment to first understand the difference between good stress and unhealthy stress.
Take a moment to first understand the difference between good stress and unhealthy stress.
Three Types of Stress
Three Types of Stress
This 4 minute video explains the difference between positive, tolerable or toxic stress.
This 4 minute video explains the difference between positive, tolerable or toxic stress.
With strong social support, stress can be either positive or tolerable and result in healthy development.
With strong social support, stress can be either positive or tolerable and result in healthy development.
Pay attention to the signs that you or your child may need additional support.
Pay attention to the signs that you or your child may need additional support.
The Centers for Disease Control* say these are a few signs to look for:
The Centers for Disease Control* say these are a few signs to look for:
Excessive crying or irritation in younger children.
Returning to behaviors they have outgrown.
Excessive worry or sadness.
Unhealthy eating or sleeping habits.
Avoidance of activities enjoyed in the past.
Difficulties with attention and concentration.
Unexplained headaches or body pain.
Use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs.
You see the signs. Now what?
You see the signs. Now what?
Teach yourself and your family members some Breathing, Movement and Mindfulness strategies. The CK Family Wellness Website has some Wellness Tools to get you started. Check back often because we will be adding more over time.
Teach yourself and your family members some Breathing, Movement and Mindfulness strategies. The CK Family Wellness Website has some Wellness Tools to get you started. Check back often because we will be adding more over time.
How to Manage Trauma_National Council of Behavioral Health infographic2018.pdfHow to Manage Trauma
How to Manage Trauma
Also, check out the 2nd page of this brief flyer on How to Manage Trauma from the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare. They provide helpful coping strategies AND list both traditional and alternative treatments that you can talk to your healthcare professional about.
Also, check out the 2nd page of this brief flyer on How to Manage Trauma from the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare. They provide helpful coping strategies AND list both traditional and alternative treatments that you can talk to your healthcare professional about.
You are not alone. We are all in this together.
You are not alone. We are all in this together.
Looking for Support? Check out the CK Family Wellness Resources here.
Want to learn more about how to Prevent and Manage Toxic Stress? Check out our CK Family Wellness Training page.
*Centers for Disease Control. "Helping Children Cope." July 1, 2020