Stress in Extraordinary Times: How Can We Cope?
First Lady Leslie E. Johnson Hosts Conference on
Coping in Tough Times
By Reneé D. Campbell
The economic crisis we currently endure has changed all aspects of our lives. Many of us have lost jobs, homes, and our place in our families because our financial situations have taken a turn for the worse. Residents and business owners alike need help with how to get through tough times.
First Lady Leslie E. Johnson welcomes conference participants / Photo: Yodith Dammlash
After a conversation several months ago with her physician, Dr. Dawne Carroll, who specializes in family health care, the county’s First Lady Leslie E. Johnson expressed concern for the Prince George’s community and the extraordinary times that so many are facing. Carroll told her “you need to do something,” and Johnson, together with Carroll, partnered with county agencies and others to create an event focused on delivering coping mechanisms to those in need. The Coping in Extraordinary Times Conference was held Saturday at Ernest Everett Just Middle School in Mitchellville.
Open to the entire Prince George’s community, the conference focused on stress and how to work through it while protecting physical, emotional and mental health. Carroll, one of the guest speakers, discussed some of the behavioral signs of stress such as bossiness, compulsive eating, and increased alcohol and drug use. She explained how these behaviors create an increased risk for hypertension and diabetes. She said they are all consequences of not coping with stress properly. She advised sensible eating and drinking coupled with regular exercise and taking time to relax throughout the day.
This two part session, Improving Your Physical Health, concluded with Dr. Donald Shell, Prince George’s County Health Officer, who addressed the many complications suffered by those who need medical care but often cannot afford it. He suggested creating healthy lifestyle choices to help prevent health issues before they arise. Shell also said families should begin to prioritize their lives, separating the truly important items of daily life from wish lists. Families should also focus on budgeting and optimal health by eating less fast food and saving more money, he said.
Photo: Yodith Dammlash
“I am convinced everyone likes the reality shows because they like to know there are other people out there just like them,” said Dr. Barbara Brown, associate director for George Washington University’s counseling center. She discussed stress habits and coping strategies for self care. Brown said the steep recession has caused many people to struggle with their identity as they have lost jobs or homes due to foreclosure.
To help cope with such pressures, she suggested keeping a daily schedule, which includes regular hours, even if you have lost your job. She advised to get up in the morning and continue your normal routine so that stress does not change you. Set daily goals that can be accomplished such as walking or going to the library. Use social and professional networks to pursue a hobby that you always wanted but never had time for. Brown said the conference was important to her because “I don’t think mental health is talked about enough.”
An interesting twist to the conference was a yoga class given by Instructor Monifé Marshall. Audience members were able to participate and get some tips on how to relax on a daily basis. Johnson hoped that those who were in attendance left with the idea that “they are not alone and there are resources and people that will provide help and hope.” She intends to present the conference more often throughout the county. Johnson also said the conference will be available on the county Web site (www.princegeorgescountymd.gov) and cable channels.
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