You're Next | Dr. Rima Azar | EP 174

Empowering Resilience in Families: Strategies from Dr. Rima Azar

Introduction: In this enlightening episode of the podcast, Dr. Rima Azar, an associate professor of health psychology at Mount Allison University and co-director of NaviCare/SoinsNavi, shares her expertise on enhancing family resilience and managing stress. With a rich background in developmental psychoneuroimmunology, Dr. Azar brings a wealth of knowledge and practical advice to parents dealing with the complexities of raising children with special care needs.

Core Concepts and Philosophies:

Dr. Azar emphasizes the importance of resilience and stress management within family dynamics, particularly for families of children who require complex care. Her approach integrates the understanding of psychobiological stress responses with practical strategies to foster resilience and coping mechanisms in everyday life.

Practical Strategies and Advice:

• Structured Routine: Encourage families to establish predictable routines to reduce stress and anxiety for children with complex care needs.

• Community Support: Advocate for building strong support networks within local communities to provide emotional and logistical support to families.

• Educational Resources: Promote the use of specialized educational resources that cater to the specific needs of children, enhancing both their development and family well-being.

Supporting Evidence:

Dr. Azar's strategies are backed by her extensive research in the Psychobiology of Stress and Health Lab, where she explores the intersection of stress, coping, and resilience in families. Her work is part of broader initiatives like the New Brunswick Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research Network, underlining the empirical support for her recommendations.

Personal Application:

Dr. Azar applies these concepts through her involvement in NaviCare/SoinsNavi, a research and community-focused initiative aimed at improving navigation of care services for children with complex care needs in New Brunswick.

Recommendations for Tools and Techniques:

• Resilience Workshops: Suggests organizing workshops for parents to learn resilience-building techniques.

• Online Support Groups: Recommends creating and participating in online support groups to share experiences and strategies.

• Stress Management Tools: Encourages the use of stress management tools like mindfulness apps and guided meditation tailored for both parents and children.

Dr. Azar’s insights provide valuable guidance for families navigating the challenges of raising children with special care needs, emphasizing the power of resilience and the critical role of community and support systems in enhancing family dynamics.