Not so ‘High Maintenance’

If you’re looking for something to binge, this may be the time to delve into “High Maintenance”.

Q: I have noticed that my family and I are under a lot of stress lately, leading us to argue more frequently. I am worried that this may be detrimental to our relationship. How can I make sure that my family and I are addressing our stress in a healthy way? A:

One way to ensure that we are addressing stress is to improve our selfcare. Self-care involves various dimensions of wellness. These dimensions include physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual wellness. Self-care can include improving your eating habits, engaging in physical activity, or engaging in a positive activity such as coloring. Self-care looks different for everyone, as selfcare needs may vary personto-person. It is important to learn how to be mindful of your thoughts, feelings, and body sensations in order to determine what your specific self-care needs may be. If a person has difficulty engaging in self-care activities, they may find they experience an increase in negative emotions (such as stress, anxiety, or depression) and have both physical and mental “side effects”. Families can encourage selfcare by having conversations, or perhaps participating in a healthy activity together. For example, a family may make time to take a walk together on a Sunday evening to re-charge for the week ahead. Talking with your family can help them feel as though the topic of self-care is approachable and that you are willing to help them problem solve. However, sometimes self-care needs may need assistance from a licensed mental health provider, as they can provide strategies and techniques to improve overall wellness. If you believe you or someone you know may benefit from improving their self-care please call us to schedule an assessment. I work with a skilled team at PBHS to offer a variety of treatment methods to best suit your unique needs. Using evidence-based techniques, we can navigate through these difficult times by developing an individualized treatment plan. Together, we will create a life worth living. Staci Tessmer, M.A., LPCC-S Premier Behavioral Health Service 8701 Mentor Avenue Mentor 44060 440-266-0770