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Road Rage
Do you or someone you love suffer from Road Rage? It can hurt you. If one person becomes more aggressive in his/her driving, it leads to others doing the same. Behind the wheel, before you are even aware of it, you can exhibit physical effects such as your hands gripping the wheel, blood pressure rising, heart rate increasing, neck and jaw muscles getting tense, etc. There are some things you can do. First, recognize what is happening to you. Set up your smart phone before you begin your trip to record you while you are driving. Play it back later and listen to yourself. You may be surprised as to how you sound. While you are driving, do some things to lighten your mood. Sing silly songs, make excuses for the driver (even if they are not true), such as “Oh, he must be trying to get to a job interview, after being out of work for 2 years. He can go ahead.” Try and remember that your perspective is what influences your feelings. Look at things differently and they may improve.
For further discussion about this, contact the EAP for individual sessions to help you cope with your anger or road rage. Call 8-5860
Road Rage
Do you or someone you love suffer from Road Rage? It can hurt you. If one person becomes more aggressive in his/her driving, it leads to others doing the same. Behind the wheel, before you are even aware of it, you can exhibit physical effects such as your hands gripping the wheel, blood pressure rising, heart rate increasing, neck and jaw muscles getting tense, etc. There are some things you can do. First, recognize what is happening to you. Set up your smart phone before you begin your trip to record you while you are driving. Play it back later and listen to yourself. You may be surprised as to how you sound. While you are driving, do some things to lighten your mood. Sing silly songs, make excuses for the driver (even if they are not true), such as “Oh, he must be trying to get to a job interview, after being out of work for 2 years. He can go ahead.” Try and remember that your perspective is what influences your feelings. Look at things differently and they may improve.
For further discussion about this, contact the EAP for individual sessions to help you cope with your anger or road rage. Call 8-5860
Facebook Can Make Users Feel Worse
A University of Michigan study found that time spent on Facebook could decrease a person’s mood. Other studies have found that increased envy can occur while reading other people’s Facebook pages. On the other hand, a study at the University of Wisconsin found that Facebook users could increase their self-esteem. In general, it seems that Facebook use, within which many activities take place, can have different effects on different people. Thus, it is important for users to be aware of their own responses as they use Facebook, monitor their moods and change behavior as needed.
If you think talking with someone would help you, call the EAP at 8-5860 and schedule an appointment to meet with a counselor
Facebook Can Make Users Feel Worse
A University of Michigan study found that time spent on Facebook could decrease a person’s mood. Other studies have found that increased envy can occur while reading other people’s Facebook pages. On the other hand, a study at the University of Wisconsin found that Facebook users could increase their self-esteem. In general, it seems that Facebook use, within which many activities take place, can have different effects on different people. Thus, it is important for users to be aware of their own responses as they use Facebook, monitor their moods and change behavior as needed.
If you think talking with someone would help you, call the EAP at 8-5860 and schedule an appointment to meet with a counselor
Couples’ Workshop Series
For You and Your Partner
The EAP will be holding a Workshop for couples interested in enhancing their relationships. The small group will meet for five sessions, Oct0ber 22- November 19, 2013 on Tuesdays, 4:30-6:30. Space is limited. You can sign up now to reserve your space. Please call us at 410.328.5860 or by email us at mmccarre@psych.umaryland.edu.
Couples’ Workshop Series
For You and Your Partner
The EAP will be holding a Workshop for couples interested in enhancing their relationships. The small group will meet for five sessions, Oct0ber 22- November 19, 2013 on Tuesdays, 4:30-6:30. Space is limited. You can sign up now to reserve your space. Please call us at 410.328.5860 or by email us at mmccarre@psych.umaryland.edu.
Having Trouble Relaxing?
This might be the right tool for you!
One of our senior counselors, Cheryl Confer, recently attended a workshop on Coherent Breathing. This is a simple breathing practice that is designed to reduce stress and anxiety and create a relaxed state of mind and body. It is based on a scientific principle of regulating the body’s autonomic nervous system responsible for our feelings of calm and relaxation. If you are interested in learning about this practice, you are invited to schedule an appointment with Cheryl at the EAP.
Having Trouble Relaxing?
This might be the right tool for you!
One of our senior counselors, Cheryl Confer, recently attended a workshop on Coherent Breathing. This is a simple breathing practice that is designed to reduce stress and anxiety and create a relaxed state of mind and body. It is based on a scientific principle of regulating the body’s autonomic nervous system responsible for our feelings of calm and relaxation. If you are interested in learning about this practice, you are invited to schedule an appointment with Cheryl at the EAP.
Assistance for Care Givers
Regina Curran, who is a Geriatric Care Manager, came to the EAP and presented information to employees about what professionals in her area can do to help families who have an elderly relative or friend for whom they are caring. She explained that they also help families with young or disabled children who need resources, especially with Mental Health resources. Sometimes families also need a Home Health Aid. The Care Manger can help a family get connected to one.
All in all, a Care Manger can help you in many arenas. Their website is www.midatlanticgcm.org. On it is stated, “A Geriatric Care Manager specializes in assisting older people and their families with long-term care arrangements. We can help you meet the challenges of long distance care giving, put together a comprehensive plan for present or future needs, provide extra assistance for relocation, or monitor your relative during your vacation.”
A Geriatric Care Manager will meet with the family and do an assessment, which generally takes 2 hours. Then, they can help the family put resources in place. However, a Geriatric Care Manager can also just consult with a family and give suggestions or recommendations. They can help educate families about what programs are available for additional services. They can be helpful to families whose loved one lives in Maryland, but can also help with long distance cases.
An interesting book for Care Givers to read is “The 36-Hour Day.” One interesting caveat Regina shared is that Care Givers often don’t take care of themselves like they should. Often, a Care Giver will pass away before the person they are caring for because of neglecting their own health. So, self-care is important to all. Contact the EAP to find out the myriad of possibilities for people to take care of themselves. Your loved one will thank you for it!!
Boston Marathon Tragedy
In the days to come, images and stories about the explosions at the Boston Marathon will dominate the media.
Althought trauma affects people differently, you may experience some common reactions. These signs and symptoms may begin immediately or you may feel fine for days or even weeks, then suddenly be hit with a reaction. Although you may feel abnormal, it is very normal for people to experience emotional ‘aftershocks” following a traumatic event. Some common responses are:
Physical Reactions:
Insomnia
Fatigue, hyperactivity or “nervous energy”
Pain in the neck or back
Dizzy spells
Appetite changes
Headaches
Heart palpitations or pains in the chest
Emotional Reactions:
Flashbacks or “reliving” the event
Excessive jumpiness or tendency
Anger
Irritability
Feeling vulnerable
Feelings of anxiety or helplessness
Behavioral Reactions:
Changes in normal activities
Change in speech
Substance abuse
Change in communication
Emotional outbursts
Inability to rest
Tips for Coping After a Traumatic Event:
As you are experiencing various emotions resulting from a traumatic event, below are suggestions that may help:
Physical exercise along with relaxation may help relieve the physical stress.
Talk to people; talking can be healing.
Spend time with others. Resist the tendency to isolate.
Give yourself permission to feel rotten and share your feelings with others.
Keep a journal; write your way through sleepless times.
Get plenty of rest and eat regular meals, even if you don’t feel like it.
Seek medical assistance if your physical symptoms concern you.
Follow a familiar routine.
Take one thing at a time.
If you or a loved one is feeling traumatized or vulnerable, remember that the EAP is available to help. To talk with a counselor you can contact the EAP at 410-328-5860.