I have found that it is difficult for many that I work with to make taking care of themselves a priority. It is often necessary to make it a goal to take care of themselves first. This is particularly difficult for mothers of young children; however clients who suffer from anxiety, sleep deprivation, depression, and other symptoms of high stress make poor providers and care givers. It often appears that if a client can not take care of their own needs they make it their goal to take care of the needs of others. As a result they provide an environment of stress that others are effected by. Children are particularly sensitive to stressful people around them. Those with a history of trauma and a lack of attachment often have low self esteem and negative beliefs about themselves, which brings about a belief that they are not important. To be a positive role model for children and to develop an environment that others want to be part of it is necessary to feel good about ones self and to have healthy habits. This means providing time for self, getting quality sleep, having a support network, exercise and the other normal requirements one finds necessary.
A path to wholeness