(Posted 2022 September)
As the new school year gets underway, consider making space to reflect on lingering stress coming out of the last few years’ events.
“Ambient stress” is thought to stem from environmental stressors which are chronic, non-urgent, and resistant to efforts made by the individual to change them.i This stress runs below the level of consciousness.ii It has been energized for many people by the state of world unrest amid the pandemic and other recent events.
Invisible stress, as it is known colloquially, can be as physically and emotionally taxing as any other form of stress. Building connections by investing in relationships and creating a sense of belonging are two of the most potent defenses against ambient stress.
It may be difficult for children to communicate their stress to their safe adults. Instead, it often presents as clinginess, emotional instability, withdrawal, or fatigue.iii Volunteer & Partner Services is actively recruiting volunteers who can relate to children and support them emotionally.
The Befriend-A-Child Mentoring Program and Study Buddy Tutoring Program offer terrific opportunities for volunteers to forge a long-term encouraging relationship with children and families. The Body Safety Program plays a significant role in increasing children’s sense of agency and security in what can feel like unpredictable times.
Parenting Education Programs relieves ambient stress from a different angle by offering non-judgmental support to parents. Parents who are overwhelmed by their current circumstances can provide a much healthier environment for their children given the proper outlet to both voice their concerns and acquire specific parenting knowledge.
For facilitators, volunteering with VPS programs can be a truly grounding experience. Enthusiastically working towards the wellbeing of children offers a small piece of control in what can sometimes feel like an impossible feat - securing the health and happiness of our community’s most vulnerable population.
Learn more about how you can get involved with our programs.
iCampbell JM. Ambient Stressors. Environment and Behavior. 1983;15(3):355-380. doi:10.1177/0013916583153005
iiDucharme, Jamie. “How Ambient Stress May Be Hurting Your Mental Health.” Time, TIME USA, 27 July 2022, https://time.com/6201005/ambient-stress-pandemic-mental-health/.
iii“Identifying Signs of Stress in Your Children and Teens.” American Psychological Association, American Psychological Association, 5 Sept. 2019, https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/children.
This article posting is part of The Volunteer Post Newsletter for current and potential volunteers, sponsors and donors interested in supporting children and families in crisis. Learn more about Fairfax County Department of Family Services' Volunteer & Partner Services Program (VPS).