Coping With the Family
Stress in Challenging
Economic Times
Nancy M. Porter, Ph.D.
Deborah J. Thomason, Ed.D.
• 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?
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Stress
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Holiday Blues
Grief
Depression
Health Related Issues
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Everyday Blues
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Stress
High levels of stress can impact your
emotional well-being.
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Tips to Manage Stress
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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
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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:
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Emotional support
Listening ear
Practical support
Social interaction
Optimistic outlook
Encouragement to seek help
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Emotional Support
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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:
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Give full attention
Let the person finish talking
Allow pauses
Facilitate discussion
Validate feelings
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Encourage Social Interactions:
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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.
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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.