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 responsibilities 50% consumed by worries regarding money 49% relationships So that’s where we’re going. Today, we’ll talk about family. Next week money. The final week, relationships Next, 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’s Did 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 well I GOT HELP! Help has lots of different outfits: · Got a therapist when I got divorced. · Let my family help. · Took on a new view of family. · I learned by accident. · I matured. I’m hoping that by laying the groundwork, showing you what it looks like, and not just saying do it, that you’ll be likely to try something. So, here are the 5 things I encourage you to do: · Get professional help: EAP, counselor, live, online · ASK for help – family & friends. · Adjust your view of family, and make smart choices · Learn on purpose · Be patient as seasons changes Love and Hugs! All links in show notes at https://www.tamiwest.com/post/stress-awareness-month-part-ii-family-responsibilities. **Not intended to be therapy or replace therapy - If you need further help, please reach out to one of these resources or one in your area: 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/ Celebrate Recovery: https://www.celebraterecovery.com/ About AA: https://www.aa.org/ Tami West, PhD Stress and Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses her entertaining and compelling style to shine a new light on how to transform your life and discover solutions to life’s challenges. Thanks for joining today! Connect with me: https://www.tamiwest.c