What Stress Management Techniques are Working for People
“I am ‘excited’ by the prospect of being able to be in a support and caring role. When dispatch calls I am immediately ready to go even in the middle of the night! While on scene I am very alert, aware, somewhat armored emotionally and do not seem to get tired. Apparently that excitement is protective in my role. I loved hearing that part of your presentation because I can tap into that excitement deliberately as well. I will definitely be using the strategy for myself and also use it as I deal with other responders (we serve in the hospitals well) in the future.”
—Margaret Griffo and Cupid, Alaska Police and Fire Chaplin
“Our team of four clinicians work at the Public Safety Resilience Center. We have decided to take 1 stress management skill from your training, each week, and write a 1-page tip sheet to send out to the Fire, EMS, Police, and 911 Tele-communicators and their immediate families.”
—Lisa DeMarco Tilley, LPC, Behavioral Health Specialist, Public Safety Resilience Center, Prince William County Department of Fire & Rescue
“One of the techniques I learned that I have used to deal with the stress is take 5 minutes think about everything I am stressed about and then let it go for the day. Those 5 minutes allow me to stress on the risks and all the people suffering, but in those 5 minutes the last minute I focus on all I can do to protect myself and family Before, I used to just worry so much that it showed, but this technique changed that. Now my family sees me less worried.”
—M. Reyes, Probation Officer, Westchester County Dept. of Probation, Yonkers, New York
“I refer to your advice often as all is so helpful. If I had to choose one specific part, I would say choosing two positive thoughts as I wash my hands as I do a whole lot of that throughout the day.”
—Lori Bowman, Mail Processor, Jail Division, Adams County Sheriff’s Office
“Thank-you for the training, having an at risk relative in my home, I am very concerned about contracting or transferring the virus from my work to my loved ones. Returning to some of these practices will help out quite a bit.”
—Jerry Nunnally, Senior Deputy II, Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office
“Here are some of the techniques I applied:
—Chocolate bars for everyone
— Had discussions about their personal impacts of the present environment
—‘sign off’ all COVID related news for one hour”
—Warren Wiltshire, Assistant Manager Communications Operations, Global Medical Response of Trinidad and Tobago.
“I just wanted to let you know, I have added a breathing exercise to my day. I’ve been doing the 7 minute mindful breathing with Dr Daniel Siegel. It is really helping to relax me! I also have been trying to walk each day since I’m not able to go the gym.”
—April Biddix, School Resource Officer, Granite Falls Police Department
“This week I am feeling more relaxed, less tense and I am sleeping better. The techniques that I normally use have been taken away from me due to social distancing. I have struggled with some positive ways to cope since this all began, these techniques have been successful for me.”
—Holly DeMartini, Battalion Chief of Medical Operations, Fort Mill Fire Department, Fort Mill, South Carolina
“The top thing that is working for me is …Declaring an endpoint each day when I will no longer read COVID-19 news or discuss COVID-19 with my family, social networks or friends. I unwind my brain with some light fiction after the end of the news-consumption day. Yes, this pandemic is evolving fast. But I need a break for 8+ hours to rest and sleep.”
—Greg Friese, Editorial Director, Lexipol, EMS1, Fire1, Police1, Correctionsone
“The idea I am actively working on and have passed on to my kids as well is the concept of reframing fear to excitement. Fear is a powerful motivator. However, when we see what is in front of us as a challenge rather than an obstacle, our response is more measured and logical. We tackle the problem rather than fleeing from it.”