43. Managing STRESS in Mom & Child w/ Guest Amanda Colliatie, Marriage and Family Therapist LMFT- Part 1

2020 has provided plenty of stress for ALL of us.  Today, on the Practically Speaking MOM podcast we're learning how to identify signs of stress and deal with the Grizzly Bears in the room!  We're facing stress head on with our guest stress expert, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Amanda Colliatie! 

In week one of three, we look at the aspects below regarding stress.  Then the next two weeks we'll talk about ways to BUFFER stress.

Everyone will experience stress and it's normal and healthy, as long as it stays in a healthy level.  We don't need to try to keep all stress away from our children.  Equip our kids to read stress signs and handle stress effectively.

Two Types of Stress
1. Physical Stress, positive or negative
2. Psychological Stress, positive or negative

Levels of Stress
1. Normal level of stress that is healthy to experience, mild hassles, minor issues.
2. Moderate stress from major life changes - job promotions, move, new baby, death of a loved one, medical diagnosis.
3. Toxic stress - stress overload, chronic, overwhelmed, circumstances seem unmanageable feeling hopeless or helpless, thinking about giving up

Warning Signs to watch for in Toxic Stress
*Small things trigger big feelings
*Increased levels of worry, insecurity...
*Changes in mood - anxiety, impatient, hopeless
*Trouble Sleeping
*Consuming more substances that is more than your usual
*Life is feeling out of control and you decrease in your ability to function

When you see these symptoms, don't REACT but DIG DEEPER, and have an appropriate RESPONSE that can move toward healing or calm.

How are you doing at watching for the symptoms in yourself and family members?  Are you overlooking the signs?
Are you reacting quickly or having thoughtful response to your stressed-out family member.
We also look at some of the physical affects of stress in your body.  Toxic stress affects your body, mind, and emotions.  Extreme stress impacts our bodies as if you're being attacked by a grizzly bear.  What feels like a grizzly bear in your child's life? Or in your own life? 
  It's time for us to face the bears in our life or the life of our kids - whether they are in us or in our environment.  When is it time