Recently I listened to a stress management podcast. I really liked her style and her content. It was odd, but there was one thing she said that struck me as she spoke about journaling: When we put our worries onto paper, it moves them from the emotions center to the thinking center. And then she moved on.I thought, "I’ve given advice like that before. And moved on."What I found myself wanting was examples. Stories. What did it look like when YOU did that? What worked? What didn’t?That’s what we’re doing today.First, I dug into that Stress in America report we discussed last week (click here to listen to that episode). I thought what do people need? What are they struggling with? As you may expect, the numbers were worse for women than for men, so I decided to go that direction for the next 3 weeks. Even though I’m targeting women here, the stories and advice transcend gender in many areas.Next I looked at the top I for women, according to the report. They were:58% family responsibilities50% consumed by worries regarding money49% relationshipsSo that’s where we’re going. Today, we’ll talk about family. Next week money. The final week, relationshipsNext, I did some specific research and have 4 recent studies to share with you (Link and info in show notes at https://www.tamiwest.com/post/stress-awareness-month-part-ii-family-responsibilities)So women want/need help! But what experience do I have to talk to you about family responsibilities? Here's a bit of my background:· 3 biological children born 1988-1992· Had my 1st son when my 1st husband was in the military. We were in Wichita, KS with no support whatsoever and my son was a very colicky baby.· I was in a psychiatric hospital when they were 2,4,6· Single mom of those 3 from 1998-2003· Got my master’s degree during that time· Gained 5 stepchildren in 2003· Traveled while 5 of the 8 still lived at home· Took care of my mentally ill mother with dementia while traveling· Cared for my father with Alzheimer’sDid I do a great job during these seasons? Let's evaluate 😁What I did poorly· Yelled. A lot apparently· Never said no or asked for help· Expected myself and others to be perfect· Put too much on my plate· Had unrealistic expectations· Had buried AND apparent resentment and anger· Saw my family as extra to my life (I’ll explain in a bit)Finally, here's what I did wellI GOT HELP!Help has lots of different outfits: · Got a therapist when I got
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**The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek help from a qualified professional. If you’re in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or visit 988lifeline.org for chat and resources.
General Resources
National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org
Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org
Mental Health First Aid Resources: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/
About Tami & Michelle:
Michelle Kixmiller, PMHNP
Michelle is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Tami West, PhD
Stress & Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses research & fun to help transform your life.
