Dr. Bob's Tips for Dealing with "Post-Irma Stress" - Children First

Dr. Bob’s Tips for Dealing with “Post-Irma Stress”

Hurricane Irma Closure Update
September 12, 2017
Children First’s 2016 Annual Report is out now!  
October 26, 2017

Dr. Bob’s Tips for Dealing with “Post-Irma Stress”

Feelings you may be having during this stressful time:

  • Trouble sleeping. You might wake up in the night or have nightmares.
  • Eating changes. You may not be hungry. Or maybe you are eating everything in sight.
  • Get upset easily; lose your temper; cry a lot.
  • Can’t stop thinking about the hurricane.
  • Feel afraid and worried about what is going to happen to you and your family.
  • Feel you have no energy to do anything, even though there is so much to do.
  • Feel that you have little control over your life.
  • Feel hopeless about future.

How to take care of yourself:

  • Stay connected. Talk to people you trust. Share your feelings, fears and concerns. Keeping these strong feelings inside can make them grow and add to your stress.
  • If possible, find ways to get some exercise alone and with your child. This can be a great way to reduce stress.
  • Take a break in whatever way you can. Take a walk, read—do something that soothes and satisfies you.
  • Find ways to have fun with your child.  Activities, like singing and reading books together, can relieve stress for both parent and child!
  • Establish a daily routine as best you can.
  • Ask for support! Consider talking to a trusted health professional or seeking other professional help if you have further questions or need more support.

 

Bob Nolan,  Ph. D., LMHC

Child and Family Services Manager

941 953-3877 x130