Worries..
And what we can do about them.
By your school counsellor, Ms. Brennan, RCC, CCC.
As we start the month of October, (wasn’t September the longest month EVER??!!) routines bring homework, weather brings rain, cooler temperatures, colds, sore throats, more early mornings, and for some...worries..! This week, let’s look at our worries, learn to identify them and observe them, look at what we can control, how we can let them go, dance them out, read about them-and where to get help if the worries are interfering with everyday life over a longer period of time, and our strategies are not working. You are NOT ALONE. There is help, and you can learn to take your power back from your worries!
Worries don’t always “look” like worries...learn to see the emotion behind the behaviour
Recognise the good habits you already have. If you have worries about them, ask a trusted person to help you change the habit so it is less of a worry.
Worries about covid
Some reminders :)
When we focus our thoughts and energy on the future, we stop noticing the present.
Interestingly, while worries seem to last forever, if we looked back on past events from a specific day, we likely won’t remember what was worrying us on that day. If we do remember, it is a great opportunity to see how your thoughts and attitudes towards that worry have changed. Still have it? Keep reading to see how you might take steps to ease your mind by receiving support.
Your brain only holds 3-4 different ideas in its conscious mind. The more different ways we worry about an idea, the more that one worry can take over and leave no room for other thoughts.
We CAN TRAIN our brain to filter out the worries, and reframe our thinking...read on ;) below
Explaining WORRIES to children
Kids explain worries, in their own words :)
Small Talk | Worries | CBC Kids
-what happens when we worry??
Fight Flight Freeze - A Guide to Anxiety for Kids
Reframe Unhelpful Thoughts
Counsellor Keri does it again. Check out her article, below, about the worries chain reaction.
Break the worry down- one step at a time
Try to keep in mind what you can and cannot control..
Using mindfulness to tame our worries..
Why Mindfulness Is a Superpower: An Animation
How to Calm Your Worries and Sleep Better: A Scientist's Tips for Falling Asleep More Quickly
😌 LET GO OF WORRIES | A Guided Meditation for Kids🎈
Activities that can help calm your child’s worries or anxieties.
Check out his website! Lots of great activities :) mylemarks.com
Blast your worries away!!
Articles on different strategies that Parents can try, to help their child with their worries..
Free list of coping skills for kids, by...Coping Skills for Kids!!
You can borrow this book and program from a local library (online) or buy it from an online bookstore. It contains activities you can do with your child, to identify worries, and learn to overcome them.
Books you can purchase to help your child with their worries.
Jack's Worry by Sam Zuppardi (Children's Book Read Aloud)
WHEN I AM WORRIED | Kids Book Read Aloud I Readaloud I Anxiety Book I Childrens Books I Kids Books
Don't Worry Bear by Greg Foley | Read aloud Book for Kids | Simple Picture Book
Resources from my counselling website
When the worries become more serious
When the worrying becomes a frequent visitor that won’t go away with time or becomes bigger even with tools and our worries are also about regular daily tasks, we may need help. Here are some support sites you can use to get some help. Remember to also speak to your Medical Doctor, who can support you and refer you to programs designed to help anxiety.
Get support online, with FOUNDRY BC
Here to Help
An excellent site with many resources and help lines. They also offer an online anxiety courses to support your wellness program. (And it’s free :)