Is there a lot of uncertainty in your life and are you feeling a sense of dread?

Did you know that anxiety feeds off of uncertainty? And when you add the constant barrage of recent news stories that feels too close to home, the feeling may get more intense. Add to that the constant strain of our lives  - children responsibilities, relational expectations, stress at work, hidden dangers everywhere, big changes - it's understandable that we are anxious.

Then there's the issue of social contagion. That happens when those around us are reacting in fear. If people at home or at work are anxious or stressed, it is nearly impossible for you to not "feel" the experience of that other person sweeping over you.

So What Do We Do About It?

Sometimes the simplest thing to do is love. Self-care and care for others can do wonders. Here's a short list to take with you today to get you started:

1. Who am I checking on or connecting with today?
2. What expectations of "normal" am I letting go of today?
3. How am I getting outside today?
4. How am I moving my body today?
5. How am I expressing my creativity today?
6. If I have a relationship with a higher power, have I taken time to connect?
7. Can I extend compassion to any of my "self-demands"?

"We're in this together" is not just a catchy phrase. It's paramount to our survival. Let me work with you to help you through this. 

We will apply a common cognitive behavioral approach to anxiety - catch your thoughts, evaluate them for accuracy, consider alternatives, and replace the thoughts. We'll discuss when your anxiety might be helpful - and when it makes things worse. We will look at physical aspects of your anxiety - how your body can enter a feeling of safety even when your mind is whirling. 

If the stress has brought up trauma from your past, we can use a therapy called EMDR to help you reprocess them to bring healing and confidence back into your step.

Let me help you through this challenging season by staying above the waves. If you'd like to make an appointment, please go to the "appointment request" tab on the left.