wellness bridge

THE WELLNESS BRIDGE:BY: CAROL P. WALDHAUSER, Executive Director, The Delaware Lawyer Assistance Program: 

THE WELLNESS BRIDGE: BY: CAROL P. WALDHAUSER, Executive Director, The Delaware Lawyer Assistance Program Pride…… PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY IN DEVELOPING EXCELLENCE

A PRIMARY PROBLEM: STRESS: 

A PRIMARY PROBLEM: STRESS The “wear and tear” the body goes through as it adjusts to the constantly changing environment. The Biological response that prepares our bodies either for fight or flight Events vs. Perception

SOURCES OF STRESS: 

SOURCES OF STRESS Environment Social Situations Physical/medical Our thoughts

TYPES OF STRESSORS: 

TYPES OF STRESSORS Acute: Short Term Reaction to an immediate threat One-time traumatic event Chronic: Long Term Pollution Difficult relationships Everyday life

TYPES OF STRESSORS: 

TYPES OF STRESSORS Specific problem, issue, challenge or conflict Surprise or uncertainty

DE-LAP’S REALITY BOMB : 

DE-LAP’S REALITY BOMB Lawyer’s are said to be disportionately at risk for problems related to alcohol. Reports of lawyer unhappiness and of lawyers leaving the profession have been widely noted.

More about Stress….: 

More about Stress…. Stress related to the practice of law may very well be the trigger that creates non-organic, situational depression. A substantial sense of loss of control is often a root cause, or contributing factor, in this type of stress and depression.

PUBLIC OPINION POLL - 1991: 

PUBLIC OPINION POLL - 1991

DEPRESSION: How it may manifests: 

DEPRESSION: How it may manifests

LAWYER DISTRESS: A Constant 20%?: 

LAWYER DISTRESS: A Constant 20%?

The Last Straw: 

The Last Straw Everyone has demands placed on them by everyday life, and as one small thing is piled onto the next, the scales can finally be tipped off balance by a seemingly insignificant “last straw” which may be something as trivial as one too many telephone calls or assignments. Alternatively, demands can increase quite suddenly as a result of significant changes or life events. Research shows a link between number of life events and stress-related illness.

UNHEALTHY COPING STRATEGIES: 

UNHEALTHY COPING STRATEGIES AVOIDANCE – chemical use, isolation, postponing decisions, denying the problem Fighting battles that cannot be won – focusing on problems beyond our control – also increases feelings of helplessness Impulsive behaviors – poorly planned or emotional responses One behavior for all problems.

LIFE SKILLS: 

LIFE SKILLS Your ability to cope depends on how well prepared you are to deal with the counterbalance everyday demands, and keep an equilibrium in your life. All of these life skills can be learned and improved upon.

STRESS SELF AWARENESS: 

STRESS SELF AWARENESS What changes in these four categories while under stress? Behaviors Emotions Sensations Thinking Addressing one of these categories will automatically address the other three.

BABY STEPS: 

BABY STEPS

Slow & Steady: 

Slow & Steady Stay Healthy Focus on the Stressor Determine your resources Plan and then act Evaluate Balance action with relaxation

Consistence With Life Skills: 

Consistence With Life Skills Healthy diet- in stress, body needs more nutrients Moment on your lips; forever on your hips Exercise – research has shown that chemicals released during exercise (endorphins) are stress relievers – 10 MINUTE RULE Move a Muscle; change a thought SLEEP

It is Your Attitude: 

It is Your Attitude That usually provides the opportunity to use your knowledge, ability and skills in the most enjoyable and meaningful way.

REMEMBER: YOU WANT A SMOOTH LANDING SO: 

REMEMBER: YOU WANT A SMOOTH LANDING SO Try These attitude busters when life gets you down: 1. Problems: Problems are a part of life. Failures complain about their problems and blame everyone else. Successful people become professional problem-solvers and strive to overcome their obstacles by looking for opportunities. 2. Self-pity: A self-pitying persons asks, “Why me/” and allows a negative attitude to prevail. A self-confident person asks, “How now/” and allows a positive attitude to triumph.

More attitude busters: 

More attitude busters 3. Worry: Worriers tend to create anxiety about what could happen in the future while endangering their present health through mental distress. Take the attitude that you’re too busy acting on today’s tasks to worry unnecessarily about tomorrow’s troubles. 4. Criticism. Constructive feedback begins with what you did right, proceeds to suggestions for your improvement and ends with a cheerful summary that gives you hope. In seeking feedback, look for people with a caring attitude and ignore critics who offer cruel condemnation. Fear of Failure: Your attitude can determine the fine line between success and failure. Did you know that most achievers fail their way to success?

Be proactive: 

Be proactive Reconstruct With Pride Personal Responsibility In Developing Excellence

 DE-LAP SERVICES INCLUDE: 

DE-LAP SERVICES INCLUDE Short-Term Problem Solving and Referral Sessions for judges and lawyers Consulting Resource for Managers and Supervisors Training on Employee Assistance, Wellness and Work/Life Topics Outreach Support Call: (302)777-0124 0r 1-877-24DELAP (1-877-243-3527) or e-mail cwaldhauser@de-lap.org