
MANAGEMENT
Our biggest problems in life evoke very strong emotions. Emotion-focused coping techniques are directed at managing our stress, or the stress of our children, by focusing on the feelings we experience because of such issues as family illness and death. These techniques can be extremely helpful in addressing emotional responses to stress:
Learn how to calm yourself so that stress doesn't overwhelm you. Information about mindfulness from Jon Kabat Zinn, Director of the Center for Mindfulness.
Reducing your stress by using creative activities to take the emotional feelings you have inside, and move them outside.
Ten Thinking Errors/ Cognitive Distortions used in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
Family, friends, teachers, counselors, clergy... you may have a good source of social support close by. You can also seek help from a mental health professional, or local support groups for a variety of concerns (e.g., alcohol, disease, anxiety). If you are looking for these resources in your local area, call (area code) 211. This national organization exists to help people find the kinds of resources they need, and it is free.