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