Crystal Escobar

Health 1500

Stress Management

1. Identify one current stressor in your life.

1. One major and current stressor in my life is having to financially take care
of my daughter by myself. Her father’s family watches her while I work
however, financially he does not help me at all and we live separately but
he doesn’t think he has to help financially and often asks “why” he has too.
He also always involves his mother in the situation which makes the
situation that much harder.
2. Discuss how this stressor is affecting your day-to-day life (2 - 3 paragraphs,
~200 - 250 words).
1. This stressor affects my day to day life because I currently work two jobs,
do school full time, pay for all our expenses alone because her father
refuses to help financially. I could take him to court, but they do help with
watching her and it is difficult to have to find someone who you 110% trust
with your child’s life.
Many people have told me to just get child support, but it is a tricky
situation and much more complicated for it. I know that I shouldn’t have to
struggle or work two jobs because her father is more than capable in
helping me pay for expenses. As a single mom I don’t even qualify for
food stamps, WIC, Medicaid, or Financial Assistance because I either
make too much or they need me to show court proof that I have child
support from the father.
It also puts a strain on me and makes my stress level much higher for
everything since I’m also stressing about making all ends meet. It should
not have to be this stressful but it’s something I think about constantly and
daily.

3. Identify 2 strategies you will use to mediate this stressor

1. I currently have a journal and I do not write in it as much as I should. I
have found that having a journal helps me out a lot with my emotions and
to keep me in check. I will buy myself some new pens that will be
specifically for my journal to keep me “excited”. However, I have done this
technique for years as a teen and stopped when I got pregnant but am
excited to start up again.
2. I am going to use relaxation and communication techniques to express
how important it is for the father to help with his daughter. I will also use
relaxation techniques to help keep my mind sane and to allow myself so
not stress about things I cannot control. There are many sources out there
that can help me as far as finding communication and relaxation
techniques. I also recently learned that SLCC has counseling on campus
and that could also be a great resource for me.
4. Discuss how you will implement these two strategies (2 - 3 paragraphs, ~200-
250 words).
1. I will keep myself accountable and set time aside 4 times a week to write
in my journal and allow myself to express all my emotions on the page. I
also have a journal that gives me prompts so it gives me something new
to write about which will keep me consistent. As soon as I close the
journal the issue can be put away. It will allow me to write whatever I want
without having to keep the thoughts just in my mind. I have always found
that being able to write down your emotions for your eyes only really helps
you get everything off your chest and take a weight off your shoulders.

I am currently taking a communications class and the last few weeks we

have learned some techniques on communicating and listening and what
are ways we can use them to solve issues. I will also devote some of time
to reading books that can help me find some relaxation techniques. I need
to learn as well to handle the stress better and use more affective
communication to get my message across. If I can apply these
techniques, then my reward will be having to work one less job and I will
have a stronger line of communication with my baby’s father which I need
for the rest of my life. I also have come to the realization that I cannot let
this continue to consume me and if I do not see a change I will have to
proceed to a much higher authority and do it legally.