Crisis in the Family

Introduction

The past several weeks have stunned the world with unspeakable grief. We are all struggling to comprehend the tragedy unfolding before us. As we search for condolence and advice, we turn to our friends, family members, the news media, and experts in related fields. It may not just be the September 11 attack on US soil, but the daily battles we each must face that cause us pain and anxiety. To remain healthy for ourselves and those we love, let's search for meaningful coping strategies.

The Task

To survive these turbulent times, we must learn how to manage stress when it occurs, and possibly, how to prepare for situations before they occur.

Describe particular causes of stress in your own life.
List resources you currently use when you have a problem.
Search for web sites that are beneficial for someone in your situation.
Select an appropriate method of handling your situation.
Compile a listing of helpful suggestions for overcoming stress.

Resources

There are many available web sites for searching for help in these troubled times. Here are some examples of some popular sites:

The National Institute for Trauma and Loss in Children

Compassionate Friends

Association for Death Education and Counseling

The Process

Select 2-3 causes of personal stress in your daily life.
List the current resources available that help you manage these stresses.
Use the suggested Resources listed above to search for coping strategies that could be beneficial.
Write a one page summary of how these methods would appropriately help stressful situations in your life be reduced or eliminated.
Compile a minimum of 10 web sites that would be helpful for other troublesome areas. We will then combine all students resources to prepare a booklet for our counseling center.

Evaluation

Vital Results Rubric

Conclusion

There is no way any of us can escape the emotions wrought by daily stress. Our hope is that as we come together as friends, family, neighbors and communities we can all evolve into kinder, gentler human beings. As we have searched and defined methods of coping that have proven to be beneficial to us as individuals, our prayer is they can be healing to our land as well.