Emergency Information → Resources → Mental Health: Coping with cumulative stress
From
the Office of Student and Community Services, Department of
Student Services
MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS, Rockville, Maryland
As the community continues to cope with a crisis, many people may begin to show signs of the cumulative effects of stress. Stress from one incident may not be fully resolved before another incident occurs and triggers stress once again.
It is very important that all of us are aware of our own stress levels and work to lower them when necessary, especially when we are charged with supporting children. As parents, teachers, counselors, administrators, crisis responders, or other educators, caring for ourselves is an essential first step to taking care of our children. There are warning signs that individuals can identify as a result of repeated exposure to stress.
Early warning signs | Mild signs | Extended signs | Severe signs |
---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
It is critical to address signs of cumulative stress as soon as they begin. Contact the Montgomery County Crisis Center at 240-777-4000 if you have concerns about how you are reacting. The employee assistance program at your workplace is another source of support, as is your family physician. (Montgomery County Public Schools' Employee Assistance Program: 301-460-2100)
Activating some healthy coping strategies can ease the cumulative effects of stress:
The Montgomery County Crisis Center is a free resource available 24 hours/7 days each week. Call 240-777-4000.