Holidays already stressful, prepare to combat triggers

Army Community Service will host a holiday workshop for families of deployed service Members and civilians on Dec. 10 at 6:30 p.m., in Alexander Hall, entitled, “I will Survive!” The 2- hour workshop is meant to be fun and exciting, as well as informative. There will be two speakers at this event. The first, Maj. Monique McCoy,a Psychologist from Dwight David Eisenhower Army Medical Center will discuss how to identify emotional triggers that can lead to depression.

Many of us really don’t know what “sets us off” but we do know that sometimes “we go off.” Dr. McCoy will help us recognize those things that trigger us before we go off. She’ll provide real life examples of how to combat these “triggers” once they are set and give us tons of resources for our deployment survival kit. Come prepared to laugh out loud, as her presentation will be intensely humorous and useful.

The second speaker, Professor Alex Mabe, Ph.D., a Psychologist from the Medical College of Georgia whose experience includes extensive work with military families on assignment at Fort Gordon, will provide powerful insights into separation anxiety in our youth during deployment. We are entering the 7th year on the battlefield, something that has not been experienced in many years and never by so many families at once.

You’ve heard the phrase “children are very resilient” well, what if they are not? What if this is the deployment that they “just aren’t doing so well?” Professor Mabe will discuss, in detail, the common problems they face from repeated and lengthy separations and how you can help your child?

In addition to the speakers, there will be folks on hand to provide facial makeovers, massages, holiday decorating, gift ideas, treats and so much more. Childcare is provided FREE of charge through Child, Youth and School Services. Youth must be registered with CYSS. There is no registration fee and all costs for childcare will be paid by Army Community Service. To register your child(ren) contact Kathleen Duncan at (706)791-1305.

If you are not preparing to exit the military any time soon, this is one workshop you do not want to miss. Get smart and have fun in the process. To reserve your seat or get more information, contact Shawn Williams at (706)791-1958.