JS17 Posted August 24, 2005 Share Posted August 24, 2005 Last week my mom got a headache (possibly a cluster) that landed her in the hospital. Both of my grandparents have been sick and it has been decided by her doctors that the headache was stress induced. I'm not very good at handling stress so I can't really help her. So, I was wondering if anyone had any tips I could pass on or if anyone had any recommendations on books she could read. I've also encouraged her to find a therapist to try to help her with her problems. thanks all Link to post Share on other sites
Art_Critic Posted August 24, 2005 Share Posted August 24, 2005 A lot of times during stress I have a baseball in my hand .. even while driving .. I use it as a stress ball.. I also take long drives .. with the baseball:laugh: Link to post Share on other sites
Author JS17 Posted August 24, 2005 Author Share Posted August 24, 2005 Thanks but I'm not sure that's going to help my mom deal with dying parents and inlaws Link to post Share on other sites
JPMorgan Posted August 24, 2005 Share Posted August 24, 2005 Calming things like poetry and humor might be good reading. No current events or hot topics of discussion. Something relaxing. Those nature sounds tapes may be comforting too--or a small waterfall (the bowl kind) might help tune out other sounds and be more relaxing. I don' t know about this 'aroma therapy' stuff---seems kind of 'faddish' to me and not really medically proven, but then again when I smell a certain scent (some room freshners do smell great) it actually does help me relax--so maybe finding and keeping a comforting room freshner going will help too. Lay down, put a cool cloth over the eyes and listen to soothing sounds and breathe in a fresh scent for a while, then read some poetry and sip some iced green tea. Link to post Share on other sites
Art_Critic Posted August 24, 2005 Share Posted August 24, 2005 Talk to the Hospital .. they have support groups for people going thru the death and dying process. I have used a support group when my Father was dying and it was very helpful You might be able to get some info from the counselors at the hospital Link to post Share on other sites
Author JS17 Posted August 24, 2005 Author Share Posted August 24, 2005 Anyone ever used The Relaxation & Stress Reduction Workbook? I just found it on Amazon and it seems pretty popular and highly recommended by psychologists. Any opinions? Link to post Share on other sites
Outcast Posted August 24, 2005 Share Posted August 24, 2005 There are lots of good books out there. The Relaxation Workbook is in its fifth edition so that says something. I had a boo inside and it looks like real good information so for sure try it. You can also get books or CDs on meditation and there are soothing music CDs or CDs with the sounds of nature that you can get, too. Link to post Share on other sites
Author JS17 Posted August 24, 2005 Author Share Posted August 24, 2005 Thanks for the advice all. I just bought the books online (maybe i should be doing some actual work today ) I've actually used the nature tapes/cds myself when I've had a hard time falling asleep or if it was noisy outside or to take a relaxing bubble bath. They're actually pretty nice and calming, hadn't really thought of them for my mom but I'll make her a copy. I'm going to push her harder to see a therapist. She's not opposed to therapy but I think the thought of having to find one holds her back. Thanks again to everyone, much love. Link to post Share on other sites
quankanne Posted August 24, 2005 Share Posted August 24, 2005 meditation techniques are always good -- someone mentioned yoga, but there's also deep breathing exercises (as your mom if she had any Lamaze training, I imagine some of that could come in handy), prayer, etc. excercise in general is good, too. She can either do something that can pound out the stress (power-walking) or something simple and soothing (again, yoga, or even swimming or even dancing). this sounds trite, but a good bawling can be cleansing. I know I used the miles between my home and my folks to just cry my eyes out when my mom was dying, and that helped get rid of a lot of hurt and tension. comfort food can also do wonders, too. Not sure what she likes, but chocolate always helps. So does chicken and rice like my mom makes ... give your mom a hug and well wishes to both her and your grandparents from all of us, quank Link to post Share on other sites
Author JS17 Posted August 24, 2005 Author Share Posted August 24, 2005 Originally posted by quankanne meditation techniques are always good -- someone mentioned yoga, but there's also deep breathing exercises (as your mom if she had any Lamaze training, I imagine some of that could come in handy), prayer, etc. excercise in general is good, too. She can either do something that can pound out the stress (power-walking) or something simple and soothing (again, yoga, or even swimming or even dancing). this sounds trite, but a good bawling can be cleansing. I know I used the miles between my home and my folks to just cry my eyes out when my mom was dying, and that helped get rid of a lot of hurt and tension. comfort food can also do wonders, too. Not sure what she likes, but chocolate always helps. So does chicken and rice like my mom makes ... give your mom a hug and well wishes to both her and your grandparents from all of us, quank Thanks...My mom definitely doesn't need to cry MORE!!!! lol. Actually, I've read that you release the same hormones when you cry as when you orgasm. Interesting. I guess both are a stress reliever. She's also overweight so I'm not going to encourage her to eat an additional comfort food. I'd like to get her into yoga though! maybe I can work on that. Thanks for all your well wishes Link to post Share on other sites
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