News & Press https://ohpsych.org/news/default.asp Fri, 5 Jun 2026 02:52:06 GMT Thu, 11 Apr 2019 22:38:30 GMT Copyright © 2019 Ohio Psychological Association Money Matters Too Important to Ignore https://ohpsych.org/news/news.asp?id=446479 https://ohpsych.org/news/news.asp?id=446479 OPA and APA Offer Strategies for Managing Money Stress

It’s not uncommon for Americans to experience financial stress and how people handle that stress can have an impact on overall health. Stress related to tax deadlines or finances in general can increase reliance on the unhealthy behaviors many people already use to cope with everyday stressors. OPA warns that regularly engaging in unhealthy behaviors to manage stress can lead to long-term, serious health problems.

The American Psychological Association’s Stress in AmericaTM survey has found year after year that money is the significant source of stress for adults. The most recent survey reported that 64 percent of Americans say that money is a significant source of stress in their lives.

Research shows that when people do not cope with stress effectively, it can lead to or increase already existing anxiety. One way people commonly deal with anxiety is by avoiding whatever it is that makes them anxious. Avoiding one’s finances, will likely create more financial problems, and more anxiety and stress, in the long term.

APA and OPA offer strategies for managing financial stress:

  • Identify money stressors — Think about what types of situations set off feelings of stress. It could be ordinary things like reviewing bills, completing tax forms or figuring out how to pay for expenses like home repairs and school tuition.

  • Understand what money means to you — Money is often symbolic of emotional issues that may seem unrelated to personal finances. What does money represent to you? How might that increase stress when making financial decisions? Asking yourself these questions can help provide some insight into your relationship with money and help you find some solutions.

  • Find healthy ways to manage stress — Consider healthy, stress-reducing activities such as taking a short walk, listening to music or talking things out with friends or family. Try to develop different types of healthy stress management behaviors so that when in a financial crisis, there will be strategies available to help reduce stress. Keep in mind, unhealthy behaviors develop over the course of time and can be difficult to change. Don’t take on too much at once. Focus on changing only one behavior at a time.

  • Ask for professional support — Accepting help from friends and family who care and will listen can improve the ability to manage stress. Financial planners can also help regain control over a difficult money situation. Anyone who finds themselves overwhelmed by financial stress may want to talk with a psychologist who can help address the emotions connected to finances, manage stress and change money behaviors.

To learn more about mind/body health, visit the American Psychological Association at www.apa.org/helpcenter and follow @APAHelpCenter. To find out more about the Ohio Psychological Association visit www.ohpsych.org and follow @ohpsychassn.

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The Ohio Psychological Association, in Columbus, Ohio, is membership organization of approximately 1,500 Ohio psychologists. Its mission is to advance psychology as a science, as a profession and as a means of promoting human welfare. For more information or for a psychologist referral, visit www.ohpsych.org.


The American Psychological Association, in Washington, D.C., is the largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States. APA's membership includes more than 118,400 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students. Through its divisions in 54 subfields of psychology and affiliations with 60 state, territorial and Canadian provincial associations, APA works to advance the creation, communication and application of psychological knowledge to benefit society and improve people's lives.
 

]]> Thu, 11 Apr 2019 23:38:30 GMT Psychologists Offer Tips to Avoid Financial Woes https://ohpsych.org/news/news.asp?id=435926 https://ohpsych.org/news/news.asp?id=435926 Money is stressful. When it comes to relationships, differing beliefs about money can be a recipe for conflict. Having an open dialogue about finances can help you talk about money in helpful, healthy ways. Psychologists offer tips to avoid financial fights and set the stage for healthy discussions. 

With practice, people can learn to talk about finances in a healthier, more satisfying way:

Avoid using the word “budget.” Some people have negative associations with this word which may set up a feeling of deprivation. Instead, think in terms of developing a spending plan. Help set shared priorities by deciding together what goals you want to save for and what goods and services you want to purchase.

Talk about your money history. Whether people have been in a relationship 10 weeks or 10 years, talking about your money history is the first step to getting on the same page about finances. Understanding your partner’s beliefs can help avoid conflict and set the stage for healthy discussions about joint finances. Some things to discuss include:

  • What did your parents teach you about money?
  • What are your financial goals?
  • What are your fears about money?

Be a team. When it comes to money, partners may not always see eye to eye. If financial conversations become heated, take a time out and revisit them later. With good communication and an understanding of each other’s beliefs and values, people can work together to realize shared financial goals. 

To learn more about mind/body health, visit the American Psychological Association at www.apa.org/helpcenter and follow @APAHelpCenter. To find out more about the Ohio Psychological Association visit  ohpsych.org follow @ohpsychassn.

 

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The Ohio Psychological Association, in Columbus, Ohio, is membership organization of approximately 1,500 Ohio psychologists. Its mission is to advance psychology as a science, as a profession and as a means of promoting human welfare. For more information or for a psychologist referral, visit www.ohpsych.org.

The American Psychological Association, in Washington, D.C., is the largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States. APA's membership includes more than 115,700 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students. Through its divisions in 54 subfields of psychology and affiliations with 60 state, territorial and Canadian provincial associations, APA works to advance the creation, communication and application of psychological knowledge to benefit society and improve people's lives. 

]]> Tue, 29 Jan 2019 15:15:14 GMT Psychologists Offer Tips to Improve Children’s Eating Habits https://ohpsych.org/news/news.asp?id=427660 https://ohpsych.org/news/news.asp?id=427660 Parents and caregivers play an important role when it comes to children’s eating habits. By taking steps early, you can help to improve and establish healthy eating habits for the whole family. 

Research shows that children who eat a well-balanced diet and exercise regularly are likely to perform better in school, feel better about themselves, cope with stress effectively and better regulate their emotions. They also have higher self-esteem and are less prone to develop anxiety and depression. Additionally, establishing healthy eating habits early in life can lead to long term healthy behaviors in adulthood. 

Psychologists can help parents and caregivers implement strategies to guide children through the process of developing life-long healthy behaviors.  

Start early. Parents and caregivers who help children establish good eating and sleeping habits, such as regular mealtimes and consistent bedtimes, early in life will avoid having to break bad habits later. Exposing children to a variety of flavors and foods not only helps children accept healthy food selections but also to possibly prefer them. 

Make healthy eating easy. Research shows that what happens in one’s daily environments like home, school and work can affect habits. Children generally tend to choose foods that are familiar, easily available and ready to be eaten. Parents and caregivers can encourage kids to eat healthier by keeping healthy foods in the house and pack kids’ lunch boxes with nutritious snacks like carrots, apples or nuts instead of chips or cookies 

Set a good example. Children who see their parents or caregivers buying and eating healthy foods are more likely to eat wholesome foods themselves. Healthy eating doesn’t need to be a trick. Instead, teach children to look at healthy foods as tasty and desirable. Try involving kids in planning, shopping and cooking meals to make it fun. 

Rewards and treats. Many parents like to treat their children with special foods for a job well done. While everyone enjoys certain treats, try to reward children with things other than desserts or candy. Instead, consider a family outing or the chance to skip a chore or other non-food related rewards on some occasions.

Have meals as a family. Research shows that social support has a direct impact on healthy eating intentions. Family meals are not only a good opportunity for families to connect, but are also the perfect time to talk about healthy eating habits and engage children in conversations about what makes up a nutritious meal.

Be aware of kids’ emotions. Support is essential when working with children to improve nutrition, especially when that path can be difficult and frustrating. Pay close attention to children’s emotions and reassure them that changes in diet are to keep them healthy, and not because there is something wrong with them. 

To learn more about mind/body health, visit the American Psychological Association at www.apa.org/helpcenter and follow @APAHelpCenter. To find out more about the Ohio Psychological Association visit www.ohpsych.org and follow @ohpsychassn.

 

###

The Ohio Psychological Association, in Columbus, Ohio, is membership organization of approximately 1,500 Ohio psychologists. Its mission is to advance psychology as a science, as a profession and as a means of promoting human welfare. For more information or for a psychologist referral, visit www.ohpsych.org.

The American Psychological Association, in Washington, D.C., is the largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States. APA's membership includes more than 115,700 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students. Through its divisions in 54 subfields of psychology and affiliations with 60 state, territorial and Canadian provincial associations, APA works to advance the creation, communication and application of psychological knowledge to benefit society and improve people's lives. 

]]> Tue, 20 Nov 2018 18:34:28 GMT It’s Never Too Late or Too Early to Start Planning for Retirement https://ohpsych.org/news/news.asp?id=420308 https://ohpsych.org/news/news.asp?id=420308 Psychologists Offer Tips to Save for Retirement

It is never too late, or too early, to start planning for retirement. Many people underestimate how much they can or should be saving, and often postpone putting aside money for retirement because it seems far into the future. Beliefs and attitudes about money are often developed early in life and struggling with financial avoidance or denial can lead to stress and unhealthy behaviors. But money matters are too important to ignore. 

The American Psychological Association’s (APA) most recent Stress in AmericaTM survey found that 62 percent of Americans reported money as a very or somewhat significant source of stress. Workers can overcome this fear by thinking about what they’re saving for, and determining ahead of time how much they will need for living expenses during retirement. 

Ohio psychologists offer tips to better save for retirement:

Make saving a priority. If you receive a regular pay check set aside some amount of money for retirement as well as for unexpected expenses like car repairs or health emergencies. It doesn’t have to be a large amount, it just needs to be something. Even starting with $5 per week towards each fund can help build a habit of saving. Over time you can increase the amount according to your income.  

Identify financial stressors and make a plan. Take stock of your financial situation and what causes you to stress over money. Write down specific ways to reduce expenses and save more. Then commit to a specific plan and review it regularly. Although this can be anxiety-provoking in the short term, putting things down on paper and committing to a plan can reduce stress in the long run. For example, if you pack your lunch four days a week, you could save $40 per week. That’s more than $2000 per year extra that can go into savings. Also, the one day you eat out each week might feel more like a treat. 

Make it easy on yourself. Use automated systems as much as possible. Arrange to have a portion of your paycheck automatically deposited into your savings or retirement account. It’s a lot easier to save when you don’t have to think about it. You can set up automatic transfers into your savings account when you get paid or on a predetermined day of the week or month at most banks. 

Take advantage of employer contribution match. Many companies offer to match retirement contributions up to a certain percentage of an employee’s salary. By taking advantage of this benefit, you can double your retirement investment. If you don’t, you’re effectively turning down free money. 

Stay motivated. It can be hard to save money because there is not always an immediate reinforcement. You may not see a reward for your saving for some time, but it’s important to remind yourself what you are saving for. It might be that you incorporate small rewards, such as taking yourself out to lunch if you’ve met a monthly saving goal or allowing yourself to spend a little extra at the store. This does not have to be extravagant, but something small to help you stay motivated. 

Talk to an expert. Just like people schedule an annual checkup with their doctor or meeting with their accountant, make an appointment with a financial planner to talk about your savings goals. Financial planners can help you devise a savings plan. If you are overwhelmed by stress, talk to a psychologist who can help address the emotions behind financial worries. 

To learn more visit the American Psychological Association at www.apa.org/helpcenter and follow @APAHelpCenter. To find out more about the Ohio Psychological Association visit www.ohpsych.org and follow @ohpsychassn.

###

The Ohio Psychological Association, in Columbus, Ohio, is membership organization of approximately 1,500 Ohio psychologists. Its mission is to advance psychology as a science, as a profession and as a means of promoting human welfare. For more information or for a psychologist referral, visit www.ohpsych.org.

The American Psychological Association, in Washington, D.C., is the largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States. APA's membership includes more than 115,700 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students. Through its divisions in 54 subfields of psychology and affiliations with 60 state, territorial and Canadian provincial associations, APA works to advance the creation, communication and application of psychological knowledge to benefit society and improve people's lives. ]]> Fri, 28 Sep 2018 13:49:45 GMT Having a Conversation about Money https://ohpsych.org/news/news.asp?id=388833 https://ohpsych.org/news/news.asp?id=388833 Psychologists Offer Tips to Avoid Financial Woes

Money is stressful. When it comes to relationships, differing beliefs about money can be a recipe for conflict. Having an open dialogue about finances can help you talk about money in helpful, healthy ways. Psychologists offer tips to avoid financial fights and set the stage for healthy discussions. 

According to the 2017 The American Psychological Association’s (APA) Stress in AmericaTM survey, 62 percent of Americans reported that money is a source of stress. When asked about stressors related to money, 34 percent worry about unexpected expenses, 30 percent experience stress when thinking about saving for retirement and 25 percent of Americans say the ability to pay for life’s essentials proves stressful. 

With practice, people can learn to talk about finances in a healthier, more satisfying way:

Avoid using the word “budget.” Some people have negative associations with this word which may set up a feeling of deprivation. Instead, think in terms of developing a spending plan. Deciding together what goals you want to save for and what goods and services you want to spend your money on can help set shared priorities.

Talk about your money history. Whether people have been in a relationship 10 weeks or 10 years, talking about your money history is the first step to getting on the same page about finances. Having an understanding of the partner’s beliefs can help people avoid conflict and set the stage for healthy discussions about joint finances. Some things to discuss:

  • What did your parents teach you about money?
  • What are your financial goals?
  • What are your fears about money?

Be a team. If financial conversations become heated, take a time out and revisit them later. When it comes to money, partners may not always see eye to eye. But with good communication and an understanding of each other’s beliefs and values, people can work together to realize shared financial goals. 

To learn more about depression and related mind/body health issues, visit apa.org/helpcenter and follow @APAHelpCenter on Twitter. To find out more about the Ohio Psychological Association visit ohpsych.org and follow us on Twitter at @ohpsychassn.

###

The Ohio Psychological Association, in Columbus, Ohio, is membership organization of approximately 1,500 Ohio psychologists. Its mission is to advance psychology as a science, as a profession and as a means of promoting human welfare. For more information or for a psychologist referral, visit www.ohpsych.org.

The American Psychological Association, in Washington, D.C., is the largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States. APA's membership includes more than 115,700 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students. Through its divisions in 54 subfields of psychology and affiliations with 60 state, territorial and Canadian provincial associations, APA works to advance the creation, communication and application of psychological knowledge to benefit society and improve people's lives.

]]> Wed, 28 Feb 2018 15:24:50 GMT Tips to Combat Seasonal Affective Disorder: More than the Winter Blues https://ohpsych.org/news/news.asp?id=383217 https://ohpsych.org/news/news.asp?id=383217 Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD, is more than just the winter blues. It is a type of depression that occurs during one season, typically the winter months, and goes away during the rest of the year.  

When daylight hours start to decrease at the end of summer, people who are more sensitive to the seasonal time change may start to experience symptoms as soon as late August or early September. Others may not develop symptoms until November or December.

Symptoms of SAD are the same as those of depression. They can vary in severity and often interfere with personal relationships. Symptoms include fatigue, pervasively sad mood, loss of interest, sleep difficulty or excessive sleeping, craving and eating more starches and sweets, weight gain, feelings of hopelessness or despair and thoughts of suicide. 

APA and OPA offer these tips to combat Seasonal Affective Disorder:

Experience as much daylight as possible. The lack of sun exposure is part of what causes SAD and soaking up as much as you can, can lessen your symptoms. Sit by a window or get out for a walk during daylight hours. You could even take up a winter sport to get you outside and keep you moving. 

Eat healthy. Comfort foods don’t have to be loaded with extra calories and lots of sugar and fat. Get creative and look for hearty, low-calorie recipes that are easy to prepare.  Instead of eating cake and cookies, try making a dessert from seasonal fruits like apples and pears. 

Spend time with friends and family. Spending time with your friends and family is a great way to lift your spirits and avoid social isolation. Snuggle with your kids or pets; visit with your friends while drinking a hot cup of tea or play board games with your family. Friends and family can be good to talk to about how the season is affecting you. 

Counteract the urge to isolate. Don’t stay cooped up in your house all winter.  Get out and enjoy your community this season. Volunteer, join a local club or go ice skating with your loved ones to start.    

Seek professional help. If you continue to struggle with feelings of depression, you may want to seek help from a mental health professional, such as a psychologist. Research shows that psychotherapy is an effective treatment for depression. A psychologist can help determine if someone has seasonal affective disorder and how best to treat it. 

To learn more about depression and related mind/body health issues, visit apa.org/helpcenter and follow @APAHelpCenter on Twitter. To find out more about the Ohio Psychological Association visit ohpsych.org and follow us on Twitter at @ohpsychassn.

###

The Ohio Psychological Association, in Columbus, Ohio, is membership organization of approximately 1,500 Ohio psychologists. Its mission is to advance psychology as a science, as a profession and as a means of promoting human welfare. For more information or for a psychologist referral, visit www.ohpsych.org.

The American Psychological Association, in Washington, D.C., is the largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States. APA's membership includes more than 115,700 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students. Through its divisions in 54 subfields of psychology and affiliations with 60 state, territorial and Canadian provincial associations, APA works to advance the creation, communication and application of psychological knowledge to benefit society and improve people's lives.

 
]]> Mon, 22 Jan 2018 16:45:26 GMT Don't Let the Holiday Blues Get You Down https://ohpsych.org/news/news.asp?id=379609 https://ohpsych.org/news/news.asp?id=379609 For many people the holiday season is full of celebrations and cheer but, for some, this season can bring more misery than merriment. With high expectations around gift-giving, decorating, feasting and family gatherings, feelings of disappointment, sadness, fatigue, frustration or being overwhelmed are not unusual. 

Psychologists point out that there is a difference between the holiday blues, which are often temporary and go away once the season ends, and more serious conditions such as depression, seasonal affective disorder and anxiety disorders. 

The American Psychological Association’s 2016 Stress in America survey found that three in 10 Americans say that their stress has increased in the past year and a sizeable proportion (20 percent) reported experiencing extreme stress. However, there are conscious steps people can take to prevent or lessen holiday blues and ensure a worry-free season.  

The Ohio Psychological Association and the American Psychological Association offer these tips to combat the holiday blues:

Take time for yourself — There may be pressure to be everything to everyone. But people should remember that they’re only one person and there are only so many hours in a day so it’s important to prioritize. Take care of the activities and traditions that are the most important to you and remember that sometimes self-care is the best thing people can do. Go for a walk, hang out with a friend, watch a movie or take time out to listen to music or read a new book. Everyone needs time to recharge their batteries — by slowing down, people will actually have more energy to accomplish their goals.

Volunteer — Find a local charity, such as a soup kitchen or a shelter where families can volunteer together and support their community. Not only is giving back a great way to spend time with loved ones during the holidays, but helping others has been shown to reduce stress and improve overall mood. 

Have realistic expectations — No holiday celebration is perfect. View inevitable missteps as opportunities to demonstrate flexibility and resilience. A lopsided tree or a burned brisket won’t ruin the holiday; rather, it will create a family memory. If the children’s wish lists are outside the budget, talk to them about the family's finances this year and remind them that the holidays aren't about expensive gifts.

Remember what's important — The barrage of holiday advertising can make people forget what the holiday season is really about. When the holiday expense list is running longer than the monthly budget, scale back and be reminded that what makes a great celebration is loved ones, not store-bought presents, elaborate decorations or gourmet food.

Seek support — Talk about the anxiety, stress or sadness with friends and family. Getting things out in the open can help people navigate their feelings and work toward a solution for the holiday blues. If the feelings persist, consider seeing a professional such as a psychologist. They are uniquely trained to understand the connection between the mind and body. They can offer strategies as to how goals can be adjusted so they are attainable as well as help people change unhealthy behaviors and address emotional issues. 

To learn more about mind/body health or holiday stress, visit www.apa.org/helpcenter and follow on Twitter at @APAHelpCenter. To find out more about the Ohio Psychological Association visit www.ohpsych.org and follow us on Twitter at @ohpsychassn.

###

The Ohio Psychological Association, in Columbus, Ohio, is membership organization of approximately 1,500 Ohio psychologists. Its mission is to advance psychology as a science, as a profession and as a means of promoting human welfare. For more information or for a psychologist referral, visit www.ohpsych.org.

The American Psychological Association, in Washington, D.C., is the largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States. APA's membership includes more than 115,700 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students. Through its divisions in 54 subfields of psychology and affiliations with 60 state, territorial and Canadian provincial associations, APA works to advance the creation, communication and application of psychological knowledge to benefit society and improve people's lives.

]]> Wed, 20 Dec 2017 17:03:46 GMT How Does Depression Differ From Occasional Sadness? https://ohpsych.org/news/news.asp?id=370996 https://ohpsych.org/news/news.asp?id=370996 Everyone experiences sadness from time to time, but depression is more than occasional sadness. Depression is characterized by extreme sadness or loss of interest that lasts more than several days. If untreated, depression can have harmful effects on the mind and body. It can cause disruptions to daily life and research shows that it may be linked to various chronic illnesses. 

Symptoms of depression can include lack of interest and pleasure in daily activities, significant weight loss or gain, difficulty or excessive sleeping, lack of energy, problems concentrating, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt and possibly recurrent thoughts of death or suicide. 

Contrary to popular belief, people with depression cannot simply “snap out of it” and feel better right away. Unexpressed feelings and concerns accompanied by a sense of isolation can seem untreatable, but even severe cases can be effectively treated. Acknowledgement and support from family, friends and mental health providers can make a big difference. 

The public is encouraged to participate in screening events or take an anonymous depression screening online at www.HelpYourselfHelpOthers.org. There are screening programs geared specifically toward military personnel and their families, college students, employees and the general public.

To learn more about depression and mind/body health, visit www.apa.org/helpcenter. To find out more about the Ohio Psychological Association visit www.ohpsych.org and follow us on Twitter at @ohpsychassn.

 

###


The Ohio Psychological Association, in Columbus, Ohio, is membership organization of approximately 1,500 Ohio psychologists. Its mission is to advance psychology as a science, as a profession and as a means of promoting human welfare. For more information or for a psychologist referral, visit www.ohpsych.org.

The American Psychological Association, in Washington, D.C., is the largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States. APA's membership includes more than 115,700 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students. Through its divisions in 54 subfields of psychology and affiliations with 60 state, territorial and Canadian provincial associations, APA works to advance the creation, communication and application of psychological knowledge to benefit society and improve people's lives.


]]> Fri, 20 Oct 2017 19:01:28 GMT It's Never Too Late or Too Early to Start Planning for Retirement https://ohpsych.org/news/news.asp?id=367249 https://ohpsych.org/news/news.asp?id=367249 Ohio Psychologists Offer Tips to Save for Retirement

It is never too late, or too early, to start planning for retirement. Many people underestimate how much they can or should be saving, and often postpone saving for retirement because it seems far into the future. Beliefs and attitudes about money are often developed early in life and struggling with financial avoidance or denial can lead to stress and unhealthy behaviors. But money matters are too important to ignore. 

The American Psychological Association’s (APA) most recent Stress in AmericaTM survey found that 61 percent of Americans reported money as a very or somewhat significant source of stress. Workers can conquer this fear by thinking about what they’re saving for, and planning for how much they will need for living expenses during retirement. 

Ohio psychologists offer tips to better save for retirement:

Make saving a priority. If you receive a regular pay check set aside some amount of money for retirement as well as unexpected expenses like car repairs or health emergencies. It doesn’t have to be a large amount, it just needs to be something. Even starting with $5 per week towards each fund can help build a habit of saving. Over time you can increase the amount according to your income.  

Identify financial stressors and make a plan. Take stock of your financial situation and what causes you to stress over money. Write down specific ways to reduce expenses and save more. Then commit to a specific plan and review it regularly. Although this can be anxiety-provoking in the short term, putting things down on paper and committing to a plan can reduce stress over time. For example, if you pack your lunch four days each week, you could save $40 per week, and more than $2000 per year extra that can go into savings. Also, the one day you eat out each week might feel more like a treat. 

Make it easy on yourself. Use automated systems as much as possible. Arrange to have a portion of your paycheck automatically deposited into your savings or retirement account. It’s a lot easier to save when you don’t have to think about it. You can set up automatic transfers into your savings account when you get paid or on a predetermined day of the week or month at most banks. 

Take advantage of employer contribution match. Many companies offer to match retirement contributions up to a certain percentage of an employee’s salary. By taking advantage of this benefit, you can double your retirement investment. If you don’t, you’re effectively turning down free money. 

Stay motivated. It can be hard to save money because there is not always an immediate reinforcement. You may not see a reward for your saving for some time, but it’s important to remind yourself what you are saving for. It might be that you incorporate small rewards, such as taking yourself out to lunch if you’ve met a monthly saving goal or allowing yourself to spend a little extra at the store. This does not have to be extravagant, but something small to help you stay motivated. 

Talk to an expert. Just like people schedule an annual checkup with their doctor or meeting with their accountant, make an appointment with a financial planner to talk about your savings goals. Financial planners can help you devise a savings plan. If you are overwhelmed by stress, talk to a psychologist who can help address the emotions behind financial worries. 

To learn more visit the American Psychological Association at www.apa.org/helpcenter and follow @APAHelpCenter. To find out more about OPA visit ohpsych.org and follow @ohpsychassn.

 

###


The Ohio Psychological Association, in Columbus, Ohio, is membership organization of approximately 1,500 Ohio psychologists. Its mission is to advance psychology as a science, as a profession and as a means of promoting human welfare. For more information or for a psychologist referral, visit www.ohpsych.org.

The American Psychological Association, in Washington, D.C., is the largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States. APA's membership includes more than 115,700 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students. Through its divisions in 54 subfields of psychology and affiliations with 60 state, territorial and Canadian provincial associations, APA works to advance the creation, communication and application of psychological knowledge to benefit society and improve people's lives.

 
]]> Mon, 25 Sep 2017 19:15:52 GMT Back-to-School Blues https://ohpsych.org/news/news.asp?id=360350 https://ohpsych.org/news/news.asp?id=360350 Psychologists offer tips to  help parents and kids prepare to go back to school

Whether it’s the first day of kindergarten, returning from a long summer vacation or going to a new school, back to school time can be overwhelming for many parents, children and teens. The transition from summer to school time can test families’ coping skills in dealing with adjustments such as new teachers, new classrooms or even new schools as well as parents struggling with managing school and hectic work schedules.

Often the fear of the unknown — classmates, teachers, the school building — is the most stressful, whether for the children hopping on the school bus or their parents who have to wave goodbye.

Fortunately, children are extremely capable of coping with change and caregivers can help them in the process by providing a setting that fosters resilience and encourages them to share and express their feelings about returning to school.

Before school starts, psychologists offer suggestions to help parents, caregivers and kids prepare:

Restart your family’s school routine: A week or two before school starts, parents should try and get their kids back into the school routine. This may mean kids go to bed at their normal time on a school night and wake up early as they would do for school. Having backpacks, binders, lunchboxes and even cafeteria money organized will also help with the transition into the school routine and will help make the first morning go smoothly. 

Get to know your neighbors: If your family is new to the neighborhood and your child is starting a new school, walk around the block and get to know the neighborhood children. Try and set up a play date, or, for an older child, find out where neighborhood kids might go to safely hang out, like the community pool, recreation center or park. 

Talk to your child: Asking children about their fears or worries about going back to school will help them share their burden. Inquire as to what they liked about their previous school or grade and see how those positives can be incorporated into their new experience. If your child expresses uncertainty about the new school year, it may be that you and your child walk through the building and visit your child’s locker or meet with a friend from the previous school year to help ease anxiety of the unknown and reconnect to classmates. And after school starts, take time to listen to your children and discuss their day at school and any issues they may have.  

Empathize with your children: Change can be difficult, but also exciting. Let your children know that you are aware of what they’re going through and that you will be there to help them in the process. Nerves are normal, but highlight that not everything that is different is necessarily bad. It is important to encourage children to face their fears instead of falling in to the trap of encouraging avoidance. Celebrate when they do something that made them nervous.

Get involved and ask for help: Knowledge of the school and the community will better equip parents and caregivers to understand their child’s surroundings and the transition he or she is undergoing. Meeting members of the community and school will foster support for both parent and child. If parents feel the stress of the school year is too much to handle, seeking expert advice from a licensed psychologist, can help them better manage and cope.

To learn more visit the American Psychological Association at www.apa.org/helpcenter and follow @APAHelpCenter. To find out more about OPA visit ohpsych.org and follow @ohpsychassn.

 

###


The Ohio Psychological Association, in Columbus, Ohio, is membership organization of approximately 1,500 Ohio psychologists. Its mission is to advance psychology as a science, as a profession and as a means of promoting human welfare. For more information or for a psychologist referral, visit www.ohpsych.org.

The American Psychological Association, in Washington, D.C., is the largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States. APA's membership includes more than 115,700 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students. Through its divisions in 54 subfields of psychology and affiliations with 60 state, territorial and Canadian provincial associations, APA works to advance the creation, communication and application of psychological knowledge to benefit society and improve people's lives.
]]> Wed, 23 Aug 2017 14:10:05 GMT Surviving Summer Vacation https://ohpsych.org/news/news.asp?id=356040 https://ohpsych.org/news/news.asp?id=356040 While summer vacation equals fun for many kids, it may lead to added stress for parents and caretakers. Finding day care options for children out of school or even planning family vacations can leave parents feeling stretched and stressed. 

According to The American Psychological Association’s 2016 Stress in AmericaTM survey, money, work and the economy remain consistent sources of stress. These stressors may be amplified by financial costs associated with summer child care needs and family vacations. 

Parents may feel that there is social pressure to send children to camp or spend increased time with them during the summer months.  These silent demands can lead to added stress, especially if finances are tight  or if taking time off from work is difficult. Setting expectations about summer vacation with your family can help lesson these stressors.

Don’t expect summer to be better from other times of year and help your family to do the same. Here are some tips for parents and caregivers to survive summertime related stress:

Being away from home. It’s important to remember that spending time away from home can be difficult for both child and parent. Whether it be sending a child to a day camp or on an overnight visit to a relative’s house, receiving a tearful phone call or a sad note from your child can pull at the heart strings. And though dealing with homesickness is often a source of stress, it’s very common. Plan for the first day of the child being away by reminding your child that camp or spending time with family is fun. Or, it may be that the parents talk with the camp counselor or family member about any concerns your child might be experiencing. 

Summer school. Although summer is usually a time for kids to be out of school and to take a break from academics, summer school may be beneficial for some kids. Parents who are concerned about their child’s academic performance or keeping up in the classroom, might consider summer school as a way for their child to not lose academic gains over the summer. 

Planning trips and vacations. Summer is typically the time for families to go on weekend trips or take a family vacation since kids are not in school. It’s important for parents to manage expectations when planning trips with the entire family. Have conversations about the summer activities that fit into your family’s schedule and make compromises if necessary.

Avoiding boredom. If parents or caregivers find children showing signs of being antsy or bored during the day, it may be a time to find creative activities for kids to do while they’re at home. Maybe it is working on a craft project or taking the dog for a walk.  Parents should not feel pressure to have the entire summer planned out for kids, as it’s a time to unwind for both parents and kids. Low key family fun can be just as great as a trip somewhere.

To learn more about stress and mind/body health visit the American Psychological Association at www.apa.org/helpcenter and follow @APAHelpCenter. To find out more about OPA visit ohpsych.org and follow @ohpsychassn. 


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The Ohio Psychological Association, in Columbus, Ohio, is membership organization of approximately 1,500 Ohio psychologists. Its mission is to advance psychology as a science, as a profession and as a means of promoting human welfare. For more information or for a psychologist referral, visit www.ohpsych.org.

The American Psychological Association, in Washington, D.C., is the largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States. APA's membership includes more than 115,700 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students. Through its divisions in 54 subfields of psychology and affiliations with 60 state, territorial and Canadian provincial associations, APA works to advance the creation, communication and application of psychological knowledge to benefit society and improve people's lives.

]]> Mon, 24 Jul 2017 20:07:24 GMT Tips to Manage Work-related Stress https://ohpsych.org/news/news.asp?id=350758 https://ohpsych.org/news/news.asp?id=350758
Work-related stress can take many forms, whether it’s pressure to meet deadlines and obligations, challenging relationships or the commute to work. But when work stress becomes chronic, it can be overwhelming — and harmful to both physical and emotional health.

Unfortunately, such long-term stress is all too common. According to the 2016 American Psychological Association's (APA) annual Stress in America Survey, 58 percent of Americans cited work as a source of stress.
 
It’s not always possible (or desirable) to avoid tensions that occur on the job. Yet people can take steps to manage work-related stress.

Track stressors. Keep a journal for a week or two to identify which situations create the most stress. Record thoughts, feelings and information about the environment, including the people and circumstances involved, the physical setting and reactions. Taking notes can help people find patterns among stressors and reactions. 

Figure out what you can change. Once you determine if there are any patterns to when you feel stressed at or about work, you might be able to identify areas that you can change. Perhaps you can change your immediate work environment to be less distracting or adjust your commute so that you aren’t hitting the peak of rush hour. Maybe your reaction to particular stressors tends to escalate your distress about that stressor, but your notes suggest you might be able to generate a more balanced response instead.

Talk to management. Healthy employees are typically more productive, so bosses have an incentive to create a work environment that promotes employee well-being. Employees should start by having an open conversation with their supervisor. The purpose of this isn't to lay out a list of complaints, but rather to come up with an effective plan for managing the work stressors, so employees can perform at their best on the job. While some parts of the plan may be designed to help employees improve skills in areas such as time management, other elements might include identifying employer-sponsored wellness resources, such as clarifying expectations, getting necessary resources or support from colleagues, enriching the job to include more challenging or meaningful tasks, or making changes to the physical workspace to reduce strain.

Develop healthy responses. Instead of attempting to fight stress with fast food or alcohol, try to make healthy choices when tensions rise. Exercise is a great stress-buster. Yoga can be an excellent choice, but any form of physical activity is beneficial. Also make time for hobbies and favorite activities. Whether it's reading a novel, going to concerts or playing games with the family, make sure to set aside time for pleasurable activities. Getting enough good-quality sleep is also important for effective stress management. Build healthy sleep habits by limiting caffeine intake late in the day and minimizing stimulating activities, such as computer and television use right before bed. 

Take time to recharge. To avoid negative effects of chronic stress and burnout, people need time to replenish and return to pre-stress levels of functioning. This recovery process requires “switching off” from work by having periods of time when people are neither engaging in work-related activities, nor thinking about work. On non-work days, even try to step back and avoid checking work emails. The 2016 Stress in America survey found a higher self-reported stress level among employed Americans who check their work email constantly on non-workdays compared to those who don’t check or check less frequently. It's critical to disconnect from time to time and not let vacation days go to waste. When possible, people should take time off to relax and unwind, so they can come back to work feeling reinvigorated and ready to do their best. 

Seek support. Accepting help from trusted friends and family members can improve the ability to manage stress. Employers may also have stress management resources available through an employee assistance program (EAP), which might include online resources, counselors, and referral to mental health professionals, if needed. If you continue to feel overwhelmed by work stress, you may want to talk to a psychologist. Psychologists are trained to help people better manage stress and change unhealthy behaviors.

To learn more about emotional wellness, visit the American Psychological Association at www.apa.org/helpcenter and follow @APAHelpCenter. Visit www.apaexcellence.org to find resources to make work a healthier place to be and follow @APA_excellence. To find out more about OPA visit ohpsych.org and follow @ohpsychassn. 

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The Ohio Psychological Association, in Columbus, Ohio, is membership organization of approximately 1,500 Ohio psychologists. Its mission is to advance psychology as a science, as a profession and as a means of promoting human welfare. For more information or for a psychologist referral, visit www.ohpsych.org.

The American Psychological Association, in Washington, D.C., is the largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States. APA's membership includes more than 115,700 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students. Through its divisions in 54 subfields of psychology and affiliations with 60 state, territorial and Canadian provincial associations, APA works to advance the creation, communication and application of psychological knowledge to benefit society and improve people's lives.

  
 
]]> Mon, 19 Jun 2017 19:49:22 GMT Money Matters Too Important to Ignore https://ohpsych.org/news/news.asp?id=340357 https://ohpsych.org/news/news.asp?id=340357 OPA and APA Offer Strategies for Managing Money Stress

Columbus, Ohio, April 13, 2017 – With the looming IRS tax deadline on April 18, it’s not uncommon for Americans to experience financial stress. How people handle that stress can have an impact on overall health. Stress related to tax deadlines and finances in general can increase reliance on the unhealthy behaviors many people already use to cope with everyday stressors. The Ohio Psychological Association (OPA) warns that regularly engaging in unhealthy behaviors to manage stress can lead to long-term, serious health problems. 

The American Psychological Association’s (APA) Stress in AmericaTM survey has found year after year that money is the significant source of stress for adults. The 2016 survey reported that 61 percent of Americans say that money is a very or somewhat significant source of stress in their lives. In addition, 62 percent anticipate money being a significant source of stress in the next several years.  

Research shows that when people do not cope with stress effectively, it can lead to or increase already existing anxiety. One way people commonly deal with anxiety is by avoiding whatever it is that makes them anxious. Avoiding one’s finances, especially during tax season, will likely create more financial problems, and more anxiety and stress, in the long term. 

APA and OPA offer strategies for managing financial stress: 

  • Identify money stressors — Think about what types of situations set off feelings of stress. It could be ordinary things like reviewing bills, completing tax forms or figuring out how to pay for expenses like home repairs and school tuition.

  • Get started now — It can be easy to come up with excuses to put off doing taxes. However, the longer people wait, the more stress they will experience. Taking care of taxes right away will reduce stress and make tax season a lot more manageable.  

  • Understand what money means to you — Money is often symbolic of emotional issues that may seem unrelated to personal finances such as power, control and love. What does money represent to you? How might that increase stress when making financial decisions? Asking yourself these questions can help provide some insight into your relationship with money and help you find some solutions.

  • Find healthy ways to manage stress — Consider healthy, stress-reducing activities such as taking a short walk, listening to music or talking things out with friends or family. Try to develop different types of healthy stress management behaviors so that when in a financial crisis, there will be strategies available to help reduce stress. Keep in mind, unhealthy behaviors develop over the course of time and can be difficult to change. Don’t take on too much at once. Focus on changing only one behavior at a time.

  • Ask for professional support — Accepting help from friends and family who care and will listen can improve the ability to manage stress. Financial planners can also help regain control over a difficult money situation. Anyone who finds themselves overwhelmed by financial stress may want to talk with a psychologist who can help address the emotions connected to finances, manage stress and change money behaviors.

To learn more about mind/body health, visit the American Psychological Association at www.apa.org/helpcenter and follow @APAHelpCenter. To find out more about OPA visit www.ohpsych.org and follow @ohpsychassn.

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The Ohio Psychological Association, in Columbus, Ohio, is membership organization of approximately 1,500 Ohio psychologists. Its mission is to advance psychology as a science, as a profession and as a means of promoting human welfare. For more information or for a psychologist referral, visit www.ohpsych.org.

The American Psychological Association, in Washington, D.C., is the largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States. APA's membership includes more than 115,700 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students. Through its divisions in 54 subfields of psychology and affiliations with 60 state, territorial and Canadian provincial associations, APA works to advance the creation, communication and application of psychological knowledge to benefit society and improve people's lives. 

 
]]> Thu, 13 Apr 2017 13:50:35 GMT Psychologists Offer Tips to Improve Children’s Eating Habits https://ohpsych.org/news/news.asp?id=335076 https://ohpsych.org/news/news.asp?id=335076 Columbus, Ohio | March 13, 2017– Parents and caregivers play an important role when it comes to children’s eating habits. This March, recognize National Nutrition Month by taking steps to improve and establish healthy eating habits for the whole family. 

Research shows that children who eat a well-balanced diet and exercise regularly are likely to perform better in school, feel better about themselves, cope with stress effectively and better regulate their emotions. They also have higher self-esteem and are less prone to developing anxiety and depression. Additionally, establishing healthy eating habits early in life can lead to long term healthy behaviors in adulthood. 

Psychologists can help parents and caregivers implement strategies to guide children in the process of developing life-long healthy behaviors.  

Start early. Parents and caregivers who help children establish good eating and sleeping habits early in life will avoid having to break bad habits later. Exposing children to a variety of flavors and different foods can not only help children accept healthy foods but to possibly prefer them. 

Make healthy eating easy. Research shows that daily environments like home, school and work can affect habits. Children generally tend to choose foods that are familiar, easily available and ready to be eaten. Parents and caregivers can encourage kids to eat healthier by keeping healthy foods in the house and pack kids’ lunch boxes with nutritious snacks like carrots, apples or nuts instead of chips or cookies 

Set a good example. Children who see their parents or caregivers buying and eating healthy foods are more likely to eat wholesome foods themselves. Healthy eating doesn’t need to be a trick. Instead, teach children to look at healthy foods as tasty and desirable. Try involving kids in planning, shopping and cooking meals to make it fun. 

Rewards and treats. Many parents like to treat their children with special foods for a job well done. While everyone enjoys certain treats, try to reward children with things other than desserts or candy. Instead, consider a family outing or the chance to skip a chore or other non-food related rewards on some occasions.

Have meals as a family. Research shows that social support has a direct impact on healthy eating intentions. Family meals are not only a good opportunity for families to connect, but are also the perfect time to talk about healthy eating habits and engage children in conversations about what consists of a nutritious meal.

Be aware of kids’ emotions. Support is essential when working with children to improve nutrition, especially when that path can be difficult and frustrating. Pay close attention to children’s emotions and reassure them that changes in diet are to make them healthy, and not because there is something wrong with them. 

To learn more about mind/body health, visit the American Psychological Association at www.apa.org/helpcenter. To find out more about the Ohio Psychological Association visit www.ohpsych.org and follow @ohpsychassn.

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The Ohio Psychological Association, in Columbus, Ohio, is membership organization of approximately 1,500 Ohio psychologists. Its mission is to advance psychology as a science, as a profession and as a means of promoting human welfare. For more information or for a psychologist referral, visit www.ohpsych.org.

The American Psychological Association, in Washington, D.C., is the largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States. APA's membership includes more than 115,700 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students. Through its divisions in 54 subfields of psychology and affiliations with 60 state, territorial and Canadian provincial associations, APA works to advance the creation, communication and application of psychological knowledge to benefit society and improve people's lives. 
 

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