Doing What Matters in Times of Stress: An Illustrated Guide. Adapted Version for the Caribbean

Abstract

The Caribbean Development Bank and the Pan American Health Organization have developed this stress management guide to help people cope with adversity. The publication is an adaptation for the Caribbean of Doing What Matters in Times of Stress: An Illustrated Guide, a World Health Organization publication to support implementation of its recommendations for stress management. This guide is for all who experience stress, ranging from parents and other caregivers to health professionals working in difficult situations. Informed by available evidence and extensive field testing, the guide provides information and practical skills to help cope with adversity. While the causes of adversity must be addressed, there is also a need to protect and support people’s mental health. This publication has five sections, each containing a new idea and technique to cope with stress. These are easy to learn and can be used for just a few minutes a day to help reduce stress. Readers can go through one section every few days and take time to practice the exercises and use the learning in the days in between. Another option is for them to read the book through once, applying whatever they can, and then read it again, taking more time to appreciate the ideas and practice the techniques. Practicing and applying the ideas to daily life is key for reducing stress. The guide can be read at home, during break or rest periods at work, before going to sleep, or at any other time when people might have a few moments to concentrate on taking care of themselves.