FORWARD Program News
DECEMBER 2021
Dealing with Stress and Trauma this Holiday Season
For many people, the "most wonderful time of the year" is also a very stressful time of the year. No matter how you celebrate, the holiday season is often very demanding - we are cooking meals, shopping, baking, cleaning and entertaining. For some, the holidays can also be a reminder of loss and other traumas that have impacted us. Adults and children alike may find some holiday experiences retraumatizing.
When we experience stress, we become dysregulated, which makes it difficult for us to think clearly and logically, have positive interactions with others, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Here are some tips for anyone dealing with stress this holiday season:
- Acknowledge and validate your feelings.
- Reach out for support - talk to colleagues, family, friends or a professional counselor.
- Be realistic and set healthy boundaries for yourself. It's OK to say no!
- Don't abandon healthy habits, like getting plenty of sleep, exercising, and eating balanced meals.
- Take a break! For strategies to help you or your student "chill out", check out some of the resources below.
5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Exercise
Mindful Melting
AMJHS Expresses Gratitude in Door-Decorating Contest
From the Lion's Den
At Charles Upson, Mrs. Connolly led a lesson about all the things we feel during the holidays. Mr. Baumgartner’s class created a Thanksgiving feast of their emotions! The students discussed being grateful, joyful, happy, thoughtful, sleepy and content. Some students even expressed the emotion of excitement because Thanksgiving is right before Christmas!
HOW TO REACH US
- Nicole Weaver, Multidisciplinary Mental Health Coordinator, is located at Lockport High School and works with grades K-12. She can be reached at nweaver@lockportschools.net or via phone at (716) 478-4423.
- Heather Scharping, Behavioral Health Coordinator, is located at Aaron Mossell Junior High School and works with grades 7-12. She can be reached at hscharping@lockportschools.net or via phone at 478-4700.
- Laura Feind, Behavioral Health Coordinator, is located at Charles Upson Elementary School and works with grades K-6. She can be reached at lfeind@lockportschools.net or via phone at 478-4412.
Grants and District / Community Programs
Pride in our Past...Faith in our Future
Holly Dickinson, Director
Email: hdickinson@lockportschools.net
Website: www.lockportschools.org/grants
Location: 130 Beattie Avenue, Lockport, NY, USA
Phone: 716-478-4849
Facebook: facebook.com/LockportCitySchoolDistrict
Twitter: @LockportSchools