With Hurricanes Harvey and Irma wreaking havoc throughout the southern United States, as well as numerous other frightening national and world events, an increasing level of personal anxiety is likely impacting the health of some of the people we care about. St. Francis stands ready to assist.
 
In fact, simply anticipating the arrival of a hurricane, tornado, blizzard, or any severe storm strikes fear and anxiety in the people in its path for good reason, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Natural disasters disrupt lives in significant ways, including creating physical and mental health problems and major economic challenges. And the never-ending news about a storm’s arrival may increase your anxiety, stress, and fear.
 
St. Francis is offering a free seminar on Tuesday, September 19, on “Recognizing and Managing Stress, Anxiety and Worry.”  It’s from 11 am-12 Noon in the Sara Ruth Carroll Auditorium in the Butler Pavilion at 2300 Manchester Expressway. Space is limited and registration required by calling 706.320.8060 or by emailing [email protected].
 
This program follows a morning PrimeTime seminar on arthritis (from 9:45-10:45 am) and precedes one on gynecologic cancers from 12-1 pm. All three are open to the public, with people invited to attend any or all of the seminars. Lunch will be available free of charge at both the 11 am and 12 Noon programs for those registering by Monday.
 
Speakers include Sister Margaret Downing, RSM, M.Ed., a St. Francis Chaplain and professional counselor, and John Roop, MA, LPC, a Licensed Professional Counselor affiliated with St. Francis Psychiatry. Roop has worked as a therapist and case manager in long-term treatment facilities, the state mental health system, and hospital settings, including St. Francis Bradley Center.
 
Among the topics to be covered are:

·         Techniques for dealing with stress, including prayer and meditation

·         Cues to recognize that your body is being impacted by stress

·         What steps should people should take for “mental hygiene”

·         A stress impact self-assessment tool will also be available
 
"Stress affects us in the long term but also affects us in the present as it occurs,” said Roop. “An important component of dealing with stress is learning how stress shows itself in our bodies and in our daily life so that we can take steps to better manage it, thus lessening the long-term effects."
 
“If ordinary life isn’t stressful enough, events such as hurricanes and violent incidents in the news can heighten our tension,” Sister Margaret said. “Knowing a few simple things to do when you feel really stressed may enable you to stay more peaceful.”