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Health and Wellness
Haymaker & Haymaker Psychological Services, LLC AD/HD, Anxiety, Depression, Eating Disorders, Marriage and Family, Underachievement Problems in Relationships Providing care for adults, families, children and adolescents for over 20 years. Stephanie Haymaker, Ph.D. NJ Lic Psychologist, SI 2794 Douglas Haymaker, Ph.D. NJ Lic Psychologist, SI 2793 For More Information, Please Call or See our Websites: www.DrStephanieHaymaker.com NJ Psychologist Lic 2794 www.DrDougHaymaker.com NJ Psychologist Lic 2793 245 Route 22, Suite 305, Bridgewater, NJ 908-429-9300 PUT YOUR SKIN IN THE RIGHT HANDS S E R V I C E S WE O F F E R Cosmetic Dermatology • Botox • Brown Spot Removal Chemical Peel • Dysport • Facials • Filler • Hair Loss Hyperhidrosis • Photo Rejuvenation • Laser Skin Treatment • Kybella Laser Hair Removal • Microdermabrasion • Micro-Needling (CIT) Restylane • Sclerotherapy • Ultherapy • General Dermatology Skin Cancer Prevention & Treatment • Cancer Screenings Mohs Surgery • AND MUCH MORE 240 East Grove Street • Wesfield, NJ 07090 P: 908-232-6446 • F: 908-232-6447 www.SkinandLaserCenter.com Sabatino Ciatti, MD, FAAD, FACMS Specializing in Mohs Micrographic Surgery & Cosmetic Dermatology THE WORRIED CHILD AND HOW TO HELP As the school year kicks into high gear, children and their parents may start to show signs of stress. Stress symptoms can be both emotional and physical. In children, they can often creep up and surprise us. It is important to be aware of the early warning signs. Several common ones - in both children and adolescents - are anxiety, and irritabili- ty or moodiness. Withdrawal from pre- vious interests and activities, clinging to teachers or parents, crying, and changes in sleep or eating patterns are other signals. Frequent headaches or stomach aches are also indications of anxiety, as well as the general report of “feeling sick” that many a school nurse has heard. In helping kids cope with stress, the goal is not to eliminate anxiety, but to help them manage it. Some basics include allowing time for the discus- sion of recent concerns with a calm and open approach to the situation. It is important to resist the immediate urge to jump in and fix the problem. Better to problem solve with the child and brainstorm about various approaches that may work for them. It is helpful to encourage children to “avoid avoidance” by confronting problems rather than ignoring them. When children withdraw or avoid a problem, often the situation continues in ways that may prevent learning strategies that will be useful for them in the future. Talk through “what’s the worst thing that will happen?” Give reassurance that you will support them in making choices about behavior. These are ways to build confidence. Sometimes discussing different strate- gies and considering what they would like to see happen is an important part of the process. For parents and other loved ones, modeling healthy coping patterns is crucial. Children take note of the choices adults make. Children are astute observers of everything that goes on around them, ranging from how we respond to the little aggrava- tions, to the “big stuff” that happens in the news. How can we help to han- dle tragedies in a child’s own world or in the world at large? Again, first help them to talk about whatever is on their mind – how they feel things will affect them, how to cope with the unfamiliar or the scary. One approach is to discuss how they can make a difference. Per- haps they would like to pitch in to make the world a better place, join in group efforts, pursue community serv- ice or explore other opportunities to contribute. Children learn so much from what they see happening around them. Another form of learning to cope is helping children how to find balance in a chaotic world. Encourage the focus on positives. This may include a night- ly listing of some good things that hap- pened today, expressing gratitude, and finding time to relax and to be present. Don’t forget finding some time for playfulness and whimsy! These efforts demonstrate a commitment to move forward in life and limit excessive neg- ative thoughts. How to tell the difference between “the usual” worries and those that go beyond typical childhood behaviors? Stress signs that last more than a few weeks, or that impact daily functioning at school or at home, may require fur- ther assessment by a qualified mental health professional. Intervening early can keep a small problem from becom- ing a bigger one. Show children by example how to avoid avoidance by taking charge and helping them find a solution that is right for them! Dr. Douglas Haymaker is a licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years of clinical experience. He is presently a partner at Hay- maker and Haymaker Psychological Services, a private practice setting where your confi- dentiality is assured, in Bridgewater, NJ. He attended college at Brown University and graduate school at the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL. Areas of specialization include relationship issues, coping with transitions such as loss and divorce, and the assessment and treatment of AD/HD, anxiety, depression and PTSD. He also performs psychological, neuropsychological and educational evaluations. Douglas Haymaker, Ph.D Stephanie Haymaker, Ph.D