It’s Surreal: Existing in Uncertain Times

anxiety management
Written By Rachel Sykes
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I Work with Stressed Out Professional Women

Licensed in Massachusetts & New Hampshire
Rachel C. Sykes, LMHC, LLC
Rachel@rachelcsykes.com

Right now, many folks are feeling uncertain about their lives – worried about the economy, the rule of law, the rights of women AND LGBTQ+ AND immigrants AND people of color AND beneficiaries of charitable organizations, AND treatment of allied countries. Unfortunately, I could go on.  It may seem a bit surreal to be plodding through business-as-usual in other areas of your life–your work, your relationships, your day-to-day minutia—with no recognition of the serious problems going on around you. It can feel like such a huge disconnect exists that it makes you wonder if it’s only you feeling this way. It’s not.

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Why does it feel like an out-of-body experience?

Extreme divisiveness

It seems as if the political divide is as wide as it ever has been in my lifetime. I definitely can see how social media algorithms feed us data that it predicts we want to see, so we see too much of the same thing with little information that conflicts. This can offer an extremely biased view of an issue. Social media also allows folks to act as their worst selves without risk of reprisals. (Can you tell I am not a fan?) Reminds me of the McCarthyism (I was born in 1969 - I read about this…).

Mis-information and bias

Be honest, do you get your news from strangers on Facebook or from marketing pros looking for follows? Even historically reputable news outlets seem to have increased bias, perhaps in part due to active political campaigns to punish those in the media who don’t report the news as desired. I know this sounds crazy but have you tried to actually read some of the legislation under review? Watched a congressional hearing? I know, it’s not really fun but by actually doing some of the work yourself, you can develop a better sense of the accuracy of your news providers and perhaps develop your own opinions.

person with long red hair tossing head back

helpless

Photo by Rachel Coyne on Unsplash

Feelings of helplessness

The shock and awe component of today’s political news seems designed to make us feel powerless. I mean, how can your average person stay focused when bombarded with so many and wide ranging repugnant messages? You may find your power by identifying some areas where you feel passionately, where your actions are doable, and your contributions can make a difference.

Reality of shocking examples of hatred and discrimination

Unfortunately, not all the news is mis-information but much of it does actually seem fueled by fear and hatred. This can feel extremely disheartening, which can shut people right down. I think it’s okay to feel sad or disappointed or whatever. However, one may be able to view this hatred as motivating and take counter-measures to offset it.

What can you do?

  • Talk about it!!!

  • Get informed-cultivate a critical eye on information from questionable sources

  • What do you care about?

    • List and order your priorities

  • Identify achievable actions and follow through on them

  • Use healthy coping skills to manage overwhelm and despair

    • Exercise

    • Cry

    • Breathe (mindful breathing exercises)

    • Journal about your thoughts and feelings

  • Find ways to take a break from worry

Questions?

 Request an appointment or call/email to ask for a free 20-minute consultation

email: Rachel@rachelcsykes.com
phone: 781-630-4670

Rachel Sykes
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