Parent A – You said my son might be so overwhelmed emotionally; he can’t think straight?
Dr. B – Yeah. Kids can be so flooded emotionally; they can’t reason or problem solve.
Parent A – So, then the first thing they need to learn is how to calm themselves.
Dr. B – That’s a good point. What do you do when you feel overwhelmed?
Parent A – Go hit golf balls. And write Yelp reviews.
Dr. B – When you can’t think straight?
Parent A – If I’m driving, I pull over. I take deep breaths. I try to meditate. I go for a run. I put a cold wash cloth over my eyes while I lie down. I listen to music.
Dr. B – So you have a bunch of strategies for calming yourself.
Parent A – I guess. Sometimes I just have to get away from the people or situation that’s making me angry.
Dr. B – So, you are often able to recognize what is wrong and what you need to escape or avoid?
Parent A – Yeah. But that’s not so easy when you are feeling depressed.
Dr. B – How do you handle those moods?
Parent A – I’ve gotten better at recognizing early warning signs. Then I can do something about it before it’s out of control.
Dr. B – Like what for instance?
Parent A – I know when I need to get out and be with others instead of being too much in my own head.
Dr. B – That’s an interesting insight.
Parent A – And I know when I’m being such a pain in the ass, I need to give the people around me a break from me.
Dr. B – Does you partner help you with that one?
Parent A – How did you guess?
Dr. B – Just lucky I guess.
