DH SKILLS
Name one skills group from this week that has stuck with you
Any of the following: mindful parenting, BACE, parenthood mythbusters, attachment, body image, baby brain/play, art, social media, role transitions, radical acceptance, anger management, infant massage, ABC PLEASE, self-care, or a morning group.
Why do we need self-care?
We can't take care of others if we are not taking care of ourselves, it makes us feel good, it improves mental health, it reminds us that we deserve care, energy, and attention.
Being present in the moment, checking in with yourself, being aware of the here-and-now. Can be formal or informal.
What are some of the things we think about when we plan for the weekend? What does the weekend coping plan group involve?
Identifying coping skills, self-care, support people, recalling DH skills you are working on, and identifying goals for the weekend.
What is attachment and why do we talk about it in the Day Hospital?
Attachment is the bond or connection between a caregiver and a child. Building trust in that first relationship creates a template/blueprint for the child to form other trusting and secure relationships throughout their life. Developing secure attachment has a positive impact on relationships, development, and mental health.
Provide a counter-argument to the myth that "self-care is selfish".
Self-care isn't selfish because in order to care for others and be in our lives and relationships we need to take care of ourselves, otherwise we get burnt out. Doing self-care doesn't mean we are not taking care of other people or things! It just means we are also making a little bit of time and space for ourselves.
What is an example of a "formal mindfulness practice"?
Yoga, meditation, breathwork, any mindfulness classes.
Which coping skills (on the back of your worksheet) resonate with you?
Anything on the back of the worksheet.
What does ABC PLEASE stand for?
Accumulate positive emotions.
Build mastery by doing something we enjoy.
Cope ahead.
Treat Physical illness.
Balance eating.
Avoid mood-altering substances and have mood control.
Maintain good sleep hygiene as possible.
Engage in exercise.
Describe reactive vs. proactive self-care
Reactive self-care is used after we have hit a point of burnout or are in crisis. Proactive self-care is building it into your routine even when things aren't notably problematic/difficult.
Where can we practice informal mindfulness?
Anywhere, anytime!
What can you remind yourself if you have a rough day this weekend?
Each day is a new one/a new opportunity, just because i had a bad day doesn't mean it's all downhill, bad days are inevitable but I will get through this, etc.
Why might radical acceptance be a useful skill?
Because rejecting reality does not change reality, any type of change requires acceptance, painful experiences are inevitable, refusing to accept realities keeps us stuck in the past/painful emotions, acceptance eventually leads to calmness or an ability to move forward, and we do not want to increase our pain into suffering by ignoring the reality.
Mental, physical, emotional, spiritual, environmental, financial, personal, professional, and social.
What is one mindfulness practice/exercise/moment you want to have try this weekend?
Could be anything! A guided meditation, just checking in with your body, body scan, progressive muscle relaxation, yoga, or setting a certain time/day to be present with something you're doing.
What is an example of a positive affirmation?
I am enough, I am worth of my time and energy, I will get through this, my feelings are valid and they will pass, I deserve to care for my mental health, I am a good mother, I am doing the best that I can, etc.
What are the skills themes of each Day Hospital day? (e.g. Monday is ________, etc.)
Mindfulness, Attachment, Interpersonal Effectiveness, Emotional Regulation, Distress Tolerance.
What is your self-care plan for the weekend?
What is progressive muscle relaxation?
An exercise in which you take note of each muscle group in your body one-by-one and tense/untense them.
Share your goals and self-care plans for this weekend.
Could be anything!