Resilience and Coping Strategies for Atypical Parkinsonism Caregivers: 'Laugh Often, Reach Out, and Plan Realistically'
A structured program inspired by Donna Schemp's presentation on building resilience in the face of atypical Parkinsonism disorders. Based on her key insights: 'Laugh Often, Reach Out, and Plan Realistically,' the program cultivates resilience through laughter, social connection, self-care, and realistic planning. This program is designed to help caregivers not just survive, but thrive.
Program Modules
Start the Day with Laughter: Your Personal Laughter Club
Module 1 helps you 'start the day by laughing'. It aims to release endorphins to improve mood and build resilience, even if 'you don't even need to tell a joke to start laughing.'
Daily Laughter Session
DailyCreate your own 'personal laughter club'. This routine will generate an 'internal massage' and 'give off endorphins' just by making noise. You will laugh for five minutes to start.
“We're going to have our own personal laughter club here right now.”
Building Social Support: Reach Out and Make Realistic Plans
Module 2 focuses on the crucial role of relationships in resilience. As Donna states, 'The most important thing for resilience is relationships.' It emphasizes that 'the more social support we get, the more resilient we're going to be.' Schedule calls, ask people to cook you a meal and remember, it get's them brownie points in heaven.
Connect with Your Social Network
WeeklyIt is time to connect with friends, family, or support groups. Remember, you don't need to go out and do it, just make a plan and put it on the refrigerator! It is OK to make an effort to connect with others.
“The most important thing for resilience is relationships.”
Prioritizing Self-Care: Taking Care of Your Own Health
Module 3 focuses on caring for yourself. A crucial reminder from Donna Schemp, 'If something happens to you, the person you're caring for is going to be up the creek. So we need you to take care of yourself.' This module focuses on self-care practices to support well-being.
Self Care List
MonthlyPrioritize your own needs by compiling a list of things you could ask for from others.
“When somebody says is there anything I can do to help it's really good to have a list to look at.”
Realistic Planning and Acceptance: Gratitude and Long-Term Perspective
Module 4 helps you build a habit of realistic planning and acceptance. It is about 'having plans so that we know what is going to happen.' Having realistic goals like acceptance are the goal.
Daily Gratitude Journaling
DailyWrite down three things that you are grateful for each day to promote a positive mindset. Donna said, 'Every day to write down three things that you are grateful for.'
“Just keeping a gratitude journal of the things that the sun was shining today or maybe it was that it was raining today. There's all kinds of things you can be grateful for.”
What You'll Accomplish
- Understand the concept of resilience and its importance.
- Develop effective coping strategies for dealing with chronic illness and caregiving.
- Build and maintain a strong social support network.
- Prioritize self-care to support physical and mental well-being.
- Develop realistic plans and accept the things that cannot be changed.
- Practice daily gratitude to promote a positive mindset.
Full program access + updates