4/8/2016 Western States Deaf‐Blind Projects April 12, 2016 Nancy Eldredge, Ph.D.

4/8/2016
Western States Deaf‐Blind Projects
April 12, 2016
Nancy Eldredge, Ph.D.
Psychologist
• All families experience event stressors such as birth,
death, and moving.
• All parents experience inherent chronic stressors of
parenting.
• Parental psychological stressors are related to the
worries that parents have about the physical safety
and the growth and development of their children.
When a child is diagnosed with disabilities, all of the attention is
focused on helping the child. But parents also need assistance in
coping with stress, their own feelings and frustrations
Parents of children with disabilities had very elevated
scores on the Parenting Stress Index, signifying that
they perceived far more stress in their role as parents
than did parents of children without disabilities.
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Parental Stressors
• parent guilt
• worry about the future
• parents' perception that other people think they may be the cause of
the problem
• difficult behavior of children with disabilities
• feeling a need to protect their child
• disagreement between parents about dealing with the child
• disagreement between parents about the existence of a problem
• increased financial burden
• finding competent professional services
• sibling resentment of attention given the child with disabilities
Physiological Stress
Parents of children with disabilities know that children
with disabilities require exceptional amounts of energy.
The Need For:
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Resilience is the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats or significant sources of stress
Neurobiology  This is your normal brain
Brain Functioning
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Under Stress
 Blood flow is diverted to the peripheral muscles
 The body is preparing for fight or flight
Cortisol And Chronic Stress
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Tissue Damage
Organ Failure
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Resilience is not a trait that people either have or do not have.
It involves behaviors, thoughts and actions that can be learned and developed in anyone
Research has shown that resilience is ordinary, not extraordinary.
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Being resilient does not mean that a person doesn't experience difficulty or distress
Factors in Resilience  caring and supportive relationships within and outside the family
 The capacity to make realistic plans and take steps to carry them out.
 A positive view of yourself and confidence in your strengths and abilities.
 Skills in communication and problem solving.
 The capacity to manage strong feelings and impulses.
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Personal Self‐Care
Exercise
Personal Self‐Care
Sleep
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Personal Self‐Care
 Meditative Activities (prayer, yoga, listening to music, tai chi, gardening, walking, running, meditation)
Personal Self‐Care
Healthy Nutrition
Get hold of yourself‐
Mindfulness
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Get hold of your body
Chill
Body Awareness
 Relax the pelvic floor muscles (Psoas, Sphincter, and Kegels)
 Regains neocortical functioning in 20‐
30 seconds
No Clenching
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Individual Strategies
 Socialize with others
Individual Strategies
– Guard against addictive behaviors
– Develop hobbies, sports, creative interests
– Seek out experiences and people that instill comfort and hope
– Change your circumstances
Use nature as a healing force
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Seek spiritual renewal
Cultivate Optimism
– Accentuate the positive
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Take mental health breaks
Nurture a sense of joy, grace, beauty, love and connection
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Focus on Beauty
10 Sec. to lower BP
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Go on a retreat
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Keep Your Sense of Humor
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Our REAL Renewable Resources
 Compassion
 Kindness
 Love
 Caring
 Empathy
 Attitude
 Creativity
How You Approach Change Is A Choice
POSITIVE ATTITUDE
 IF: This is a "blessing in disguise”
 THEN: An opportunity to learn and grow
NEGATIVE, RESISTANT ATTITUDE
 IF: This is "being done to me“
 THEN: Fight the experience kicking and screaming
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 Whether we respond positively or react negatively and defensively is a function of how we view pain and suffering.
 When we approach life as a learning experience, we look to understand what the pain is trying to teach us ‐
to find meaning in the challenge and upset. Attitude Adjustment
 Make connections.
 Avoid seeing crises as insurmountable problems
 Accept that change is a part of living.
 Move toward your goals.
 Take decisive actions.
 Look for opportunities for self‐discovery.
 Nurture a positive view of yourself.
 Keep things in perspective.
 Maintain a hopeful outlook.
Places To Look For Help
 Self‐help and support groups
 Books and other publications by people who have successfully managed adverse situations
 Online resources
 A licensed mental health professional
 Your professional team
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Family‐Professional Partnerships are essential for promoting optimal outcomes for children with deaf‐blindness
Working together works!
Teamwork divides the task
and multiplies the success.
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Establish Your Vision Team
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Strategies For Building Resilience
 Developing resilience is a personal journey
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Continuing on Your Journey
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Get Back on the Raft
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Companions and a good PFD
Nancy Eldredge, Ph.D.
Psychologist
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PO Box 85684
Tucson, AZ 85754
520‐622‐4950 (ofc)
520‐622‐1227 (fax)
[email protected]
www.drnancyeldredge.com
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