JBRF's July Newsletter Contents:
|
Cooling The Summer Sizzle
|
Talking about the weather is generally perceived as "safe" or "boring". But, the heat of summer, the cold of winter, the wild temperature fluctuations of spring and fall are all significant challenges that kids with Fear of Harm face every year.
|
There's no "safe" season because each one forces the body's dysfunctional temperature control system to have to cope with external temperatures.
Right now it's summer in the northern hemisphere, and as temperatures climb, so do symptom outbreaks for our kids.
|
It takes a lot of practice to learn how to identify which symptoms are caused by the mood fluctuations of bipolar disorder and which are being caused by Fear of Harm and its temperature disruptions. "Parents and mental health providers ask about this all the time," says Elizabeth Errico, executive director of JBRF, "They want to know how they can tell the difference." Recently, one mom looking for help said, "I don't know where the symptoms stem from: bipolar, over heating... How am I supposed to know that? I don't get it."
Our response might be deceptively simple: Try the cooling strategies.
The first lines of defense in addressing temperature dysregulation in Fear of Harm are the straightforward cooling strategies that anyone and everyone can use at home. Ms. Errico tells us, "Honestly, the trickiest part of the cooling strategies is remembering their purpose is to help the body get rid of all the built up heat that triggers those other FOH symptoms. You don't want to try to make the child cold, you just want to release that heat so they can calm down."
If you're not sure what's causing the symptoms (mood fluctuations or temperature dysregulation) it's simple and easy to try the cooling strategies. If the child cools down and calms down then you have your answer. ''A practitioner just asked this question of 'how will I know' at our recent webinar in June," Ms. Errico shared. "I told her, try the cooling strategies. If they work then you'll know it was the temperature. If not, you'll still be able to implement other therapeutic interventions and you've lost nothing."
Either way, a dip in the pool, an ice cold popsicle, or a nap in the shade with a neck fan or cooling cloth will be enjoyable for anyone during the summer.
If you'd like to learn more about cooling strategies or how to develop and implement a cooling plan, join us on the 20th for July's Webinar on cooling strategies. You can also check out our products page through the link below to browse or buy some of the cooling products JBRF families count on.
|
Wednesday Webinars!
Coming Up July 20th
|
Join JBRF for July's Webinar:
Cooling Strategies and
Non-Medicinal Interventions
for Fear of Harm
Wednesday, July 20th,
7:30-8:30pm eastern time
|
Cool, cool, cooling for the hot, hot, summer!
Families and practitioners alike, come learn about how to use simple at home cooling strategies to manage Fear of Harm symptoms all summer long.
We’ll go over how to build a plan to integrate these thermoregulation techniques into daily life. Each goes a long way to reducing overheating and making sleep, moods, and all of daily life more manageable.
|
Sustaining Supporters
Who are sustaining supporters? They're transformational donors who've committed to build JBRF's capacity to bring hope to this and future generations through ongoing support.
Did you know that there are the benefits for you, the donor to becoming a sustaining supporter?
|
Benefits of Sustained Monthly Giving
- Practically speaking, monthly giving is easier to fold into your budget than a one-time gift, allowing you to choose an amount that works for you. And, just like Netflix, you’re able to “set it and forget".
- You'll also avoid emails and notifications about specific fundraisers, because we know you’re doing your part to support JBRF all year long.
-
Sustaining gifts allow you to be more generous. During our semi-annual fundraisers, a gift of $100 or more may feel too big. But, if you spread your support out throughout the year and give $15 or $20 a month, at the end of the year you will have been able to give so much more!
- Another great reason to become a sustaining supporter is the “insider perks". You'll get special updates on research projects, new program initiatives, and status reports on our advocacy work.
- You'll feel more connected to JBRF, the work we do, and the families we support.
So, consider setting up a sustaining gift today!
|
JBRF supports children and families suffering from bipolar disorder and
Fear of Harm through research, education, and outreach.
|
|