The number of people living under constant stress has increased dramatically since Hurricane Ivan, says Mrs. Tammy Ebanks Bishop, Programme Manager at the Women’s Resource Centre.
‘The cost of living is up and some people lost jobs. Repairs are ongoing for many and families are still sharing homes. The after affects of Hurricane Ivan are still a reality,’ she said.
‘The burden of care for children, family members and the elderly within cramped living conditions often creates added stress, especially for women who tend to be the primary care-givers in our society. To add to these stressors, the images of Hurricane Katrina’s devastation in the US have triggered a new set of anxieties, especially with us being still in the hurricane season,’ she explained.
To counter these high stress levels, the Women’s Resource Centre and the Department of Counselling Services have partnered to offer residents a free Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workshop on Wednesday, 15 September, from 5.30-7.30 pm at the WRC.
This is one of several activities being coordinated by the various departments under the Ministry of Health and Human Services in recognition of the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Ivan. Cindy Blekaitis, counsellor with the WRC, together with Debbie Bodden, counsellor with the Department of Counselling Services, will present the workshop.
‘We will teach participants how to identify stressors, how stress affects the body, and how they can deal with it,’ Ms Blekaitis said.
‘It is important for people to understand the dynamics of stress,’ she explained. ‘The first small signs of stress – sleeping problems, mood swings, an inability to relax – are only the precursors to possible long term health problems such as heart disease, ulcers and Irritable Bowl Syndrome. We therefore want people to understand the difference between good and bad stress, and we want to equip them with practical tools to deal with stressors in their lives.’
Taking short walks, getting up to wash hands, or taking long, deep breaths are some of the little things one can do at home or at work to reduce stress, Ms Blekaitis said.
Kathryn Dinspel-Powell, Clinical Supervisor at The Counselling Centre (a part of the Department of Counselling Services) adds that in addition to reducing the degree of stress being experienced, implementing these strategies can also helps the individual to feel more in control of their thoughts, feelings and behaviours and more hopeful about things in general. This can potentially lead to an increase in resilience which in turn can reduce the impact that future stressors have on the individual.
To learn more on these and other relaxation and coping techniques, and to take advantage of the free massages by TLC Body Therapy that will be offered at the end of the workshop, call the WRC at 949-0006 to reserve space.
To register for Wednesday’s free Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workshop, call 949-0006.
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