Clinical Psychologist presentation for Cayman Islands Special Needs Foundation
Stress Management for Parents of Children with Special Needs
By Dr. Alexandra Bodden Clinical Psychologist BHAC
Presented for: The Special Needs Foundation March 2015
WHAT IS STRESS?
Signs of Stress: Physical
Fatigue
Sleep Difficulties
Stomachaches
Chest Pain
Muscle Ache and Tension Headaches and Migraine Neck and Back Pain
Indigestion
Nausea
Increased Sweating
Decreased Immune System (frequent colds and flus)
(TherapistAid, 2012)
Signs of Stress: Emotional
Loss of Motivation
Increased Irritability and Anger
Anxiety
Depression or Sadness
Restlessness
Inability to Focus
Mood Instability
Decreased Sex Drive
(TherapistAid, 2012)
Signs of Stress: Behavioral
Unhealthy Eating (Over or Under Eating)
Drug or Alcohol Use
Social Withdrawal
Nail Biting
(TherapistAid, 2012)
Signs of Burnout for Caregivers
You have much less energy than you once had
It seems like you catch every cold or flu that’s going around
You’re constantly exhausted, even after sleeping or taking a break
You neglect your own needs, either because you’re too busy or you don’t care anymore
Your life revolves around caregiving, but it gives you little satisfaction
You have trouble relaxing, even when help is available
You’re increasingly impatient and irritable with the person you’re caring for
You feel helpless and hopeless
Helpguide.org
WHAT ARE SOME COMMON REACTIONS TO DIFFICULT NEWS OR CHANGES?
Common Reactions to Difficult Changes
See attachment
What is Your Stress Level?
Caregiver Burnout Index
https://www.caring.com/articles/caregiver-burnout-quiz
Risk Factors for Caregiver Stress
Being female
Having fewer years of formal education
Living with the person you are caring for
Social isolation
Having depression
Financial difficulties
Higher number of hours spent caregiving
Lack of coping skills and difficulty solving problems
Lack of choice in being a caregiver
MayoClinic.org
WHY SHOULD WE MANAGE STRESS?
Why Should We Manage Stress?
Steals our energy
Makes interactions less genuine and enjoyable
We are less efficient in our activities
Creates more stress!
HOW CAN WE MANAGE STRESS?
Tips for Managing Stress #1
Acknowledge Feelings
Clarifies information
Models Appropriate Coping
Helps us formulate a more helpful response
Take a moment to stop and reflect on what is going on in difficult situations
See also attached graphics
Tips for Managing Stress #2
Educate Yourself
Knowledge = Power
You are your child’s best advocate
Learn about disability, prognosis and services available
Access Websites
Get Information and References from Medical Providers
See attached graphic
Tips for Managing Stress #3
Adjust expectations
But still have them
Our children will go as far as we expect them to
Our expectations change our interactions
They are communicated to our child
See attached graphic
Tips for Managing Stress #4
Empower Your Child
Encourage child to grow and learn
Expectations grow as child does
Allow child to have a say in care
Builds child’s confidence and abilities
Talk with providers to develop appropriate activities and rewards
See attached graphic
Tips for Managing Stress #5
Increase Efficiency
Prioritize
One thing at a time
Schedule prep and travel time
Don’t procrastinate
Learn to say “No”
Learn from situations that don’t go as planed – everything is a learning opportunity
Keep a “To-Do” List
See attached graphic
Tips for Managing Stress #6
Make Time for Yourself
Have to Help Ourselves First
Rejuvenates Us
Mutual Benefits: Improves longevity and quality of interactions
Schedule Personal Time, eg: a Run, a Massage, Reading
Acknowledge guilt but reframe to highlight benefits to all parties
See attached graphic
Tips for Managing Stress #7
Get Moving
Physical Exercise and Relaxation
Exercises Reduce Physical Tension
Get Enough Sleep
Eat Well
Stay Hydrated
Pick an Exercise and Do it!
Check Physical Aspects First
See attached graphic
Tips for Managing Stress #8
Think Positive
Make Time for Fun and Be Present
Learn to Recognize Negative Thoughts
Acknowledge Strengths and Positives
Celebrate progress towards Goals (even if it’s small)
Look for Alternative Explanations
Keep Reminders
Gratitude Journal
Smile
Tips for Managing Stress #9
Reach Out
Seek emotional support
Friends, family, support groups
Take time to build and nurture relationships
Helpful for tips and problem-solving
Personal and/or Professional
Look Up a Support Group
Call a Friend
Tips for Managing Stress #10
Make a Difference
You can make a difference for yourself, for your child and the future
Many people feel empowered by being able to give back to the community or contribute to others in some shape or fashion
Educating others can increase understanding and reduce stigma
IT ALL STARTS WITH YOU!
THANK YOU!
References/ Resources
Caregiver Burnout Index: https://www.caring.com/articles/caregiver-burnoutquiz
Helpguide.Org: http://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/caregiving- stress-and-burnout.htm
MayoClinic.Org: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/stress- management/in-depth/caregiver-stress/art-20044784
TherapistAid.Com: http://www.therapistaid.com/content/0002.pdf
Time Management Tips: Attached
References from Newsletter Article:
http://www.family-friendly-fun.com/disabilities/coping-stress.htm
http://www.bu.edu/fsao/resources/parenting-children-with-special- needs/
TIME MANAGEMENT TIPS
See attached
