This MACHW interactive workshop series aims to support CHWs as they strive to serve their clients during these challenging times. The workshop formats will include expert panels, Q and A, and case studies on critical issues from across Massachusetts.

In this workshop, we explore the science of stress and anxiety. One of the impacts of the ongoing stress that many of us are experiencing as a result of COVID-19 is that we may feel like doing nothing, when actually doing something is critical for building resilience. We will explore how our science-based framework, TEB (thoughts, emotions and behaviors) can get us unstuck. We will then explore our science-driven skill “Charge Up” by practicing planning activities that charge up our “batteries” and can help us, and the individuals we work with, improve mental and physical health.

What you’ll learn

Learning Objectives
After completing this workshop, you will be able to

• Describe what is happening in our brains when we experience stressful situations
• Describe the difference between healthy and unhealthy levels of stress and anxiety
• Explain how stressful situations can lead to “spinning cycles” of unhelpful thoughts, emotions, and behaviors
• Describe how stressors can cause us to shut down and disengage
• Explain how “Charge Up” can be used to help someone who is overwhelmed with stress and feeling stuck, disengaged, and drained of energy
• List multiple examples of how to Charge Up
• Describe the steps of Charge Up and how those steps could be applied