All families experience transitions and changes. Some are planned and some are not. Transitions and changes may present stress to a family.
Tips for handling stress include:
- Recognize the stress, what are your body and feelings telling you?
- Be willing to talk about your stress
- Ask for help from those you trust
- Take time-out when things seem to be too much
- Develop a plan to identify stressful situations and think about how to manage them, i.e. what to say, limit the time exposed to the stress, figure out how to lessen your anxiety, fears, etc.
Family Risks to Stress Overload
- Harm to children – you may not have the time/energy/resources to provide immediate response to their needs. The potential for child abuse or neglect increases when families experience unmanageable stress.
- Alcohol and drug usage increases when families are under stress, as it is an attempt to cope/avoid the situation. These substances are proven to exaggerate the stress and provide temporary relief from it.
- Domestic violence risks increase when there is unmanageable stress. Relationships suffer as more time/energy is spent on thinking/worrying about the stressful situation.
The following are numbers to call if you or someone you know is experiencing any of the above family risks:
Child Abuse or Neglect:
Department of Social Services 864-596-3001 (Press 1)
or After Hours 864-585-1445
Alcohol or Drug Abuse:
The Forrester Center for Behavioral Health 864-582-7588
Domestic Violence:
Safe Homes/Rape Crisis Coalition 864-583-9803
1-800-273-5066
When in doubt call 911!