Hard Times

Everyone’s definition of hard times can vary. What hard times may look like and feel like to you, may be very different for someone even in your own family or household.

Many Americans have faced intense stress recently. This includes federal workers, who have reported to jobs without pay for weeks. This includes people who need access to healthcare and food benefits, which are uncertain. This includes people in the immigration system, facing unexpected events. Maybe you have not been personally affected by these or other national issues, but we all live in a world affected by societal conflicts and the needs of others. We are all sharing space in one way or another, and how we interact is up to each individual. 

In a stressful world, news and media can bring words and images into our surroundings that can become overwhelming. At this time of year, many upsetting societal happenings are occurring as we enter a season that can already feel very challenging to people. Winter-onset Seasonal Affective Disorder occurs as days grow shorter, we are exposed to less sunlight, and may progress through the colder months. Financial pressures and family conflicts may increase with the arrival of winter holidays. 

It’s important for everyone to have support through the coming days, weeks, and months. Please reach out to your medical provider, mental health provider, or one of us at Kildaire Counseling if you do not already have clinical support. We provide a safe space, in a nonjudgmental environment, to name and express your feelings. We assist you in developing coping skills to address conflict and manage stress. We can help you identify roadblocks to finding your peace and living the life you want this season. We know that many societal issues cannot be changed by just one person, but we are here to support, and discuss openly, whatever is on your mind. We can help you navigate stressors with a plan that fits the realities of your world.

Here are some tips for the upcoming season of less daylight, winter holidays, and continued societal uncertainties:

Prioritize self-care.

This includes knowing yourself, and taking breaks from people and situations whenever you feel overwhelmed. Provide yourself with comfort daily, in any form that is accessible to you. Schedules can become overbooked as holidays approach; give yourself permission to say “no” when it benefits you.

Acknowledge your feelings.

Your feelings are valid, and it is okay not to pretend to be positive all the time for the sake of appearances. Create space to recognize stress, anger, grief, and other complex emotions. How do those feelings show up in your mind, body, and behavior? Give them a safe outlet whenever possible, as in journaling, exercising, or listening to music.

Focus on what you can control.

Whether it’s upsetting news media, or approaching a holiday after a loss, there are factors in life outside our control. Reclaiming some control is possible when we check in with our body, identify what we feel and decide what we most need. You may be able to create a safe space in your mind, a schedule for eating, or a positive connection with a loved one. Little things add up.

Reach out.

You may have trusted support people or a therapist. You may also experience times of mistrust and feeling utterly alone. Both situations, and anything in between, are valid. Use trusted resources if you have them. If not, consider warmlines like the ones linked here, which offer various chat and text options with real people. Another option to consider is stepping out into nature, or into volunteer opportunities in your community that may be looking for assistance.

Please, take care of yourself, and reach out if we can offer you support.