Visiting family during the holiday can bring about feelings of anxiety. Adolescents and young adults may also have concerns about how to navigate interpersonal conflicts that may arise. Practicing healthy communication strategies by using a DBT skill, like DEAR MAN, is an effective way to set and enforce personal boundaries while still maintaining healthy relationships.
The start of the school year can bring on feelings of anxiety in children with the introduction of new stressors. Back to school preparation begins long before the first day of school. Parents can help their child prepare for the transition by using strategies like validation and problem solving to help them find success.
The DBT self-soothe skills can help you learn how to tolerate distress and improve your ability to handle challenging situations. Using DBT strategies that focus on different sensory experiences, you can master self-soothing practices to relax and reduce stress levels.
We have all experienced emotional distress at times, weather from a frustrating conversation with a friend, troubles at work or school, or even running late for something important. Using DBT skills, such as the TIPP skills for distress tolerance, can help improve how you handle stressors.
When it comes to managing your child’s anxiety around the holidays, it’s important to remember that communication is key. Maintain an open dialogue with your child about how they are feeling and check in with them regularly. Use these strategies to help prepare them for the change in routine and prime them for the back to school transition.