coping with the family stress in challenging economic times nancy m. porter, ph.d. deborah j....

Coping With the Family Stress in

Challenging Economic Times

Nancy M. Porter, Ph.D.Deborah J. Thomason, Ed.D.

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• When do you feel stressed? – (keep a stress journal)

• What symptoms do you feel?

• What do you think triggers these feelings?

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What is it?• Stress• Seasonal Affective Disorder• Holiday Blues• Grief• Depression• Health Related Issues

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Everyday Blues

“Everybody has the blues now and

then” Neil

Diamond “Song Sung Blue”

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StressHigh levels of stress can impact your

emotional well-being.

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Tips to Manage Stress

• Identify your stressors• Change what you can• Find a stress reliever• Be flexible

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Seasonal Affective Disorder• Symptoms• Causes• Treatments

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Holiday Blues

May be related to:• Stress • SAD• Loneliness• Post-holiday let down

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Coping With Financial Stress• Be realistic• Avoid overspending• Set priorities• Focus on the present• Share the load• Be flexible

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Suggestions:•Exercise•Get enough rest•Eat right•Participate in enjoyable activities•Spend time with others•Keep a journal

•Positive self-talk•Meditate•Maintain humor•Get enough light•Forgive•Help others

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Make a Plan

• Choose a new technique • Write a plan (see handout)• Try it the next time you feel stressed

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Helping Others

• What has been your experience in helping others who are feeling stressed?

• Is it hard to know whether to help or not?• Did you know what to say or do?

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Help others by providing:• Emotional support• Listening ear• Practical support• Social interaction• Optimistic outlook• Encouragement to seek help

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Emotional Support

• Caring• Understanding• Patience• Encouragement

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Listening Ear• How do you know what to say?• How do you bring up the subject?

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Good Listeners:• Give full attention• Let the person finish talking• Allow pauses• Facilitate discussion• Validate feelings

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Encourage Social Interactions:

• Maintain relationships• Participate in activities• Volunteer• Join a support group

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Optimism

Is the glass half full or half empty?

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Professional Help Encourage seeking professional help to get

on the road to a brighter future.

http://dprod4.clemson.edu/olos/asp/searchresults.asp?s=Family+Relation

Deciding Which Bills to Pay First

Nancy M. Porter, Ph.D.Deborah J. Thomason,

Ed.D.