Psychological support and stress reduction

When do you need a psychologist's consultation?

The services of a psychologist are especially needed by parents who have learned of a child's serious diagnosis. They may experience emotional shock, fear, despair, memory and concentration disorders. A psychologist helps to cope with stress, life changes, moving for treatment, and intense emotions that are difficult to control.

The specialist selects individual support methods, helps to overcome crises, family conflicts, and emotional burnout. Without help, stress can lead to depression and health problems.

An oncological psychologist creates a safe space where you can be sincere - cry, laugh, be silent, and not hide your true feelings. This is a place where meanings and life values gradually return without the need to "hold on" or "always think positive".

Techniques for overcoming stress and for emotional support of the child

How to help a child recover from difficult events?

Serious treatment, prolonged hospitalization, separation from loved ones - all this can change a child's behavior. What used to seem familiar now causes fear or discomfort. Children can avoid touch, withdraw, lose contact with their bodies, become overly emotional or, on the contrary, detached.

This is a normal reaction to a traumatic experience. And parents can help - not with words, but with simple actions, games, and creativity.

We have collected 14 soft practices, that restore the child's sense of safety, body, and self. You don't need to be a psychologist - you just need to be there.

We draw palms. Drawing and decorating your hands is a symbol of "I am," a sense of being here and now.
A gingerbread man. A paper or play dough figure is a safe body image with which you can interact.
Modeling. Play dough and plasticine relieve tension and give you back control.
We make dolls. Creating a doll is like "creating yourself anew".
Taking care of the doll. If the child "draws", let him take care of an even smaller creature.
We are playing in the wood. Strong roots, strong legs - a sense of support.
What's in your hand? Give them something tactile: a soft ball, a massage ring - it calms them down.
A safe for fears. A box for "scary" symbols: the child "closes" his or her fears.
Angel. Create a guardian angel out of paper - a symbol of protection nearby.
We are building a shack. Or just cuddle in the "cradle" - it brings back warmth and calm.
The joy button. Look for the "button" by touching it - it causes laughter and contact.
The wing of an angel. Teach your child to hug himself by the shoulders - this is a self-soothing action.
A sad tree. Ask: "How can I support you?" - the game turns care into a resource.
We color it. Start with coloring books, use unusual tools, and let them create.

These techniques do not work instantly, but they are a bridge to recovery. Through touch, play, and care, we restore the child's sense of "I am", "I am important", and "I am heard".

Games for emotional relief

Children who have been treated for a long time or have experienced stress accumulate emotions - anger, anxiety, frustration. Games help to safely release them, reduce tension and regain a sense of control.

•  Funny "name-calling". Players throw the ball around and say funny, harmless "insults" like: "And you, beetroot!". At the end, they get something nice.
• "Dust." Kicking the pillow with your hands or feet is a natural way to relieve yourself.
• "Pillow fight". We play to the music according to the rules: no insults or injuries.
• "Snowballs" made of paper. Squeezing and throwing is fun and useful.
• "Rubbing the paper". Rubbing the sheet vigorously and then coloring it is soothing.
• "Salute" made of paper. Tear and throw the pieces up, then put them back together.
• Application. Create an application from torn paper - it centers and calms you.
• "Draw anger". The child draws his anger - without comment, just next to him.
• "A Cup of Anger". A special cup into which you can shout out your anger.
• Breathing games. ЗBlow the ball across the table; blow into the water or "blow each other away"
• "Stubborn Lamb". Tapping your feet and shouting "No!" teaches you to stand up for yourself.
• "Pillow football. Throwing and pushing a soft pillow safely reduces aggression.

How can parents avoid emotional burnout?

Here are key tips on how to deal with emotional challenges:

• Take care of yourself: time for sleep, nutrition, physical activity and emotional rest - is not a luxury, but a necessity.
• Do not refuse help: contact relatives, friends, volunteers or a psychologist.
• Set boundaries: don't try to be perfect - Allow yourself to do "good enough."
• Communicate: talk about your emotions with loved ones or join support groups for parents.

Useful breathing exercises for self-regulation

• Focus on your breath. Inhale slowly through your nose for 4 counts, hold your breath for 2-3 seconds, and then exhale slowly through your mouth for 6 counts. Repeat this 3-5 times. Make sure that the exhalation is longer than the inhalation.
• The 5-4-3-2-1 technique. Name 5 things you see around you; 4 sounds you hear; 3 objects you can touch; 2 smells you can smell (or imagine); 1 thing you can taste or remember the taste of.

Where to look for psychological help

Support groups for parents and children - is a safe space for sharing experiences and relieving emotions. The psychologists at the Children's Hospital will help in communicating with children, explaining complex topics, and working with emotions.

Chaplains, social workers, volunteers - can provide not only spiritual but also practical support.