Inform issue 26 – Summer 2019

Your health
informonline.org.au
17
The anticipation of a new year
can sometimes bring about
feelings of stress and anxiety
for some children and adults
with disabilities.
Connect with your support
system
If all else fails, remove yourself from
the negative situation and surround
yourself with people who are
respectful, accepting and understand
your disability.
Be prepared
Preparing yourself for an
uncomfortable situation may be a
useful strategy for being able to take
care of yourself on the day if things
go south. Having already developed
strategies for situations that may
upset you or make you angry may be
helpful in being able to cope with the
circumstance. For example, removing
yourself from the situation, breathing
exercises, going outside for some
fresh air, sitting in another room and
doing an activity that relaxes you such
as reading.
Realistic thinking
Remember that thoughts and opinions
are not facts! It is critical to remember
that you are your own expert, you
know your ability and being able to
identify the unrealistic thoughts and
opinions of yourself and others is a
necessity.
Tips for family
and friends
While the new year can bring times of
joy and excitement to some of us, it
can sometimes bring about feelings of
stress and anxiety for some children
and adults with disabilities.
Here are a few tips and ideas for
family members and friends to try, to
help create a positive environment for
those living with a disability.
Inform and educate – who
needs to know?
There are many situations where
extended family gets together and
some family members or friends
may not completely understand an
individual’s disability or know how
to act when around them. It might
be useful for family members or the
individual with the disability to send
out a quick update to other family
members before any big events, and
this update may include:
• Achievements and events that
have happened during the year
• Activities and topics that the
individual may enjoy discussing
• Activities and topics that people
should avoid
• Things that the individual
may enjoy or find difficult and
challenging during the festive
celebrations
A designated safe area might also
be helpful, if an individual starts to
become overwhelmed and requires
a quiet and designated space where
they can retreat. This area can be
a calming place where they can
complete an activity or task that they
may prefer (e.g. reading their favorite
book or listening to music).