Talk about Change

Everything spirals. American culture is responsible for much of the bad in the world. So much is impacted by climate with consequences being greenhouse gas emissions, clean energy, food, raging storms, floods, wildfires, severe heat, poor air quality, disappearing shorelines, and droughts. This continues the cycle of poverty due to mold, structural damage, steep bills, debt, inability to afford insurance, and scarce food supply. Covid-19 turned the world upside down. Masking and sheltering in place.

Life continues, stop, observe, rationalize, plan. Watch for changes in behavior. The fear of being alone, bad dreams, speech difficulties, loss of bladder control or bed wetting, Notice change in appetite, irritability, increased tantrum or clingy behaviors. Complaints of physical pain (headaches, rashes) agitation, ignoring health-promotion behaviors (showering), isolation, and social avoidance.

If you’re finding yourself asking others “is this normal?” Chances are your gut reaction is right. Do more and stop sweeping things under the rug. Hopefully, the individual will also be brave enough to speak out. It’s okay to have feelings of uncertainty. Seek help and advice from trained professionals. Work with a team to figure out what’s at the root of the behavior change. Talk about experiences, talk about heartache, only after you do, can you walk another path.

Use empathy, patience, reassurance. Talk about routines, rules, expectations, thoughts, feelings but don’t force the conversation. Find ways to stay healthy at home and with social media. Discuss safety, stigma, prejudice and injustice.

Resources:

Kansas Lend Family Education Series (April 2, 2020). , Helping Preschool-age Child Cope. University of Kansas, Medical Center. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JT0zehpnZio

Kansas Lend Family Education Series (April 13, 2020). , Helping You School-age child Cope. University of Kansas, Medical Center. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oac9itvLx2A

Kansas Lend Family Education Series (April 14, 2020). , Helping Adolescents Cope. University of Kansas, Medical Center. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuYlEriFeug.