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I think it's fair to say that the world has been turned upside down again and that people are now even more confused. With that confusion comes fear. As a species we do not handle uncertainty well. I wish I could give you something that would help, but the truth is, there are
no answers. Least of all from our government. This lack of clarity, the changing narratives, the sense that no one is piloting this particular airplane, all of that will inevitably drive anxiety levels into orbit. So, I'm just going to say what I've said before:-
- Survive today. You don't need to be thriving right now. No one expects that. Simply making it through is enough. And if today stretches out too far ahead of you and makes you feel afraid, that's fine. Survive this moment. Then the next.
- Pay attention to your movements. I am sitting. I am breathing. I am trying not to cry. It sounds trite, but being mindful of where you are and what you're doing is proven to decrease the stress response. Don't judge, just note. Then note the next thing. Then the next.
- Decrease your expectations. No one is expecting your kids to come out of this with a PhD. (Or if they are, those people are arses and we don't listen to arses). Do what you have to do to make it through. Everyone is doing the same, even if they're not telling you that.
- Give yourself treats to look forward to throughout the day. A good book. The promise of a chat with a friend. A chocolate biscuit. When the big things are out of reach, the small things can save us.
- If you find yourself on the verge of a panic attack (hyperventilating, palpitations, sweating, etc), start by grounding yourself. Feel the floor beneath your feet, breathe slowly, in & out, focus on counting the breaths. Know that you're not alone. Panic attacks are rife now.
- Turn off the news. Turn off social media. Immerse yourself in something that is comforting to you. Information overload will do nothing for you. A rewatch of the Colin Firth Pride & Prejudice will do FAR more.
We will not be in this forever. Our lives have changed & keep changing. Many of us did not believe such a thing was possible. This has changed our understanding of our world. That is immensely tough. It's okay to struggle. Just make it through this day. You're going to be okay.
