Louise Campbell, Senior Psychologist and Behaviour Support Specialist.
We spoke with Louise Campbell, a Senior Psychologist and Positive Behaviour Support Specialist who specialises in mental health, emotional well-being, and self-care strategies, to find out her top tips for managing stress and maintaining the ability to support a child with complex needs.
“Being the carer for anyone is tiring, at times can bring despair and feel never ending. It can also be incredibly rewarding and can teach us things we may otherwise not have known.
“As a psychologist working in Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) and as a parent of an adult autistic child, I understand the additional stress and impact this can have on energy levels, physical and mental health, and the capacity to live a good life. Parents and carers of people with additional needs, and those who require PBS, often sacrifice their own needs for the needs of their loved ones.
“Here are my tips for managing stress, and maintaining the ability to support your child:
- Self-Compassion: This is my go-to number one top tip for myself. When you are in the thick of a bad day, are feeling tired, or inadequate, it’s easy to be harsh and self-critical. Self-compassion can help remind yourself of your value and encourages you to be kind to yourself. I recommend reading ‘What is Self-Compassion’ article by the Centre for Clinical Interventions (PDF, 173KB).
- Shorten the timeframe: When things are tough, do the basics, whatever you can to get through the day.
- Diet, exercise, sleep: Looking after yourself helps you look after others.
- Stay connected to important people in your life: It’s easy to “lose yourself” in the busyness of caring for a loved one. Friends, family, social groups help share the load, debrief after difficult times, or just distract you and give you a brain break.
- Respite: Find time to have a break from your role as carer when you can. Not always easy I know. Utilise informal supports such as family and friends, and funded supports and community-based programs to provide respite options for you and your child.
- Connect with a support group online: This is a personal experience and finding one that fits your needs is important.
- Seek help when needed: Find a General Practitioner (GP) you trust and make a regular appointment, and access resources that can help such as Lifeline, Crisis Care, Carers WA, and disability advocacy and support.” Louise said.
Louise is part of the team at SensesWA, specialising in Positive Behaviour Support. For more information about PBS or other services, call us at 1300 111 881 or visit senseswa.org.au.
