Stress is at once an individual and universal experience. Yes, we all endure stress at numerous points throughout our lives, but just as every person on the planet reacts differently to the challenges of life, they too experience stress in various manners. Even within our own households, I and other members of my family handle stress in separate, sometimes polar opposite methods.

April is Stress Awareness Month, and when deciding how to manage stress, whether as an individual or a group, it is important to consider all five dimensions of wellness: spiritual, physical, intellectual, social, and emotional. Craft an action plan that incorporates self-care, identifies your unique coping skills, and creates a calm environment.

I am delighted that Jefferson Center will soon be launching our new Centered program. Numerous stories and statewide surveys confirm that workplace stressors take one of the biggest tolls on many people’s mental health. The Centered program positions itself within Jefferson Center’s wellness and recovery goals through its emphasis on expansive care delivery and community partnerships.

Our first Centered partnership will be with the Arvada Resiliency Taskforce. Employees that work for Arvada businesses will be able to register for monthly wellness classes and health coaching sessions, obtain easier access to confidential therapy sessions, and benefit from supervisory consultations with managers to help them navigate behavioral health challenges in the workplace. We hope to soon grow more partnerships like this throughout our service region!

If you are finding it difficult to manage daily stress and constantly feel like you are in a state of survival mode, please know that you are not alone. I encourage you to be your own advocate and find resources that may help you with these feelings. When considering how to approach stressful situations and improve your personal wellness, there are no wrong answers.

– Kiara Kuenzler, Psy.D., Licensed Psychologist, President and CEO