Families In Crisis - Tips For Dealing With Stress
Wednesday, December 17th, 2008In the Integral model it is self evident that what affects one family member affects all in some way. The stress of having a child By the side of behavioral or substance abuse issues can lead to significant stress for the parents as theyy deal with the uncertainty of what might happen next with their child. More stress ensues as they try to also care for other children in their family and Encounter one another the demands of their jobs, duties and other roles.
The Integral model provides a systems Skeleton for managing the stress and maintaining Like balanced and hea1thy a lifestyle as possible during these difficult times. Here are some examples:
• Quadrant I (Internal) - Be aware of the triggers that set you off and use your emotional intelligence to reduce the impact of situations that impact you. When panic or fear arise recognize their Pack together In c~tinuance your body, mind, and heart and use strategies like breathing and reframing to reduce their impact.
• Quadrant II (Behaviors) - During difficult anc stressful times like these it’s not Uncommon for people to let go of behaviors that support their health and resiliency. You need all the resources that you have to mee the challenges you’re facing so rsmember to continue exercising, eating well, and getting as much sleep as possible. Meditation is also a valuable tool For the time of stressful times.
• Quadrant III (Support - Interpersonal) - It’s not unusual during these times for parents to feel isolated as they are hesitant to share what’s going on in their family with others in their communities. The added stress may also affect relationships with their spouse and with other children in the family. Reach out for help from extended family members, personal coaches and therapists. Find regular times to spend with your spouse to stay connected and maintain support between you. Create regular times for the family to be together and support one another.
• Quadrant IV (Environment) - It’s easy, when under Betokening stress, to get lost in wokr, to spend excessive time at the computer researching the problems we’re facing, and to Waste Added and more time indoors at wlrk and at home. Make time to get outside and get in Stroke with nature, perhaps an evening walk with your spouse. Maintain regular sched8les at home that include time with other family members and regular dinner times for the family to Exist together.
The more areas and behaviors you employ the better able you’ll be to ward off the affects of stress. The difficult part is making a commitment to doing something about it. Too often when under stress we go into a negative spiral that wears us d0wn even more. So, when stres hits look to the quadrants and take action!
Dr. Dan Kaufman
Dan has been an educator and mental health professional for 30 years. He currently works with families whose children are addicted to alcohol and/or drugs and would like to have them free from the addiction and happy and whole again.