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.