Page 40 - WF-Pamphlets-sample
P. 40
Ways to Handle Stress for Teenagers and Adults Stress from Traumatic Events
Exercise regularly and do not skip meals. When we experience difficult and stressful situations such as a death in the family, violence,
community tragedies, or natural disasters, our stress will show itself in many ways.
Avoid illegal drugs, alcohol, and tobacco.
Severe Physical Responses to Stress
Learn to relax. Nausea - Dizziness - Change in appetite - Change in sleep patterns - Withdrawal from daily activities
Avoid excess caffeine in drinks like coffee and soda which can Severe Emotional Responses to Stress
increase anxiety or agitation. Feelings of fear - Grief - Depression
Develop assertiveness training skills to be able to state This can be considered Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - an intense physical and
feelings in polite and not overly aggressive ways. An example would be: “I feel angry when you emotional response to thoughts and reminders of the event. These responses can last for many
yell at me.” Or “Please stop yelling at me,” instead of “Shut up!” or “Stop Talking!” weeks or months after the traumatic event.
Rehearse and practice for situations that cause stress. Practice at home before speaking in
front of an audience, supervisor, or someone who makes you nervous. Ways To Cope And Help Your Family With Traumatic Events
Learn practical coping skills by breaking a large task into smaller, more manageable tasks. What Can You Do For Yourself?
An example of this would be: Make a list of all the documents you need to enroll your child in
For Evaluation Only
school and accomplish getting them done one at a time. Understand your symptoms are normal, especially right after the
trauma. ©2017 Learnovation®, LLC
Decrease negative self-talk. Say “My life will get better if I work at it and get some help”
instead of “My life will never get any better.” Keep to your usual routine.
Learn to feel good about doing a competent or “good enough” job rather than demanding Take the time to resolve day-to-day conflicts so they do not add to your stress.
perfection from yourself and others. Do not shy away from situations, people, and places that remind you of the trauma.
Take a break from stressful situations. Take a walk, listen to music, talk to a friend, draw, Find ways to relax and be kind to yourself.
write, or spend time with a pet to reduce stress. Turn to family, friends, and clergy for support. Talk about your experiences and feelings
Build a network of friends who help you to cope in positive ways and not negative ways. with them.
Participate in leisure and recreational activities.
When Should You Contact Your Doctor or Mental Health Professional? Recognize you cannot control everything.
If you are not feeling better three months after a traumatic Recognize the need for trained help and call a local mental health center.
event, you should see a doctor or mental health professional.
If you fear for your life or a loved one’s, you should seek help What Can You Do For Your Child?
right away. Use the coping and stress management strategies Let your child know it is OK to feel upset when something bad or scary happens.
in this guide and remember, many of the people around Encourage your child to express feelings and thoughts, without making judgments.
you may be experiencing the same issues. Mental health
professionals are always the best choices for determining how Return to daily routines.
to get help in coping with trauma. (Courtesy of the CDC Sept. 2016 -- www.bt.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/)
