Feelings of uncertainty or constant worry can be difficult to manage. But the sooner we confront them, the less likely they are to impact our health. Here’s how…
We know constant worrying isn’t good for our health. It’s been linked to an increased risk of high blood pressure, depression, anxiety, obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
But with so much uncertainty, it’s no surprise that more of us are feeling anxious about the unknown.
In fact, a recent survey by the Mental Health Foundation found that a staggering three-quarters of the population had felt anxious at least sometimes in the recorded two-week period, with the cost-of-living crisis having a huge impact.
So how do we navigate stress during such uncertain times?
Shari McDaid, Head of Policy, Public Affairs for the nations at the Mental Health Foundation says: ‘While we can’t always control the factors causing us stress or worry, by putting positive coping mechanisms in place and seeking help sooner rather than later, we can hopefully reduce the impact of it. This is important because, while normal stress itself isn’t problematic, if it becomes persistent over a long period of time, it can interfere with our ability to enjoy or even cope with daily life, and that’s when it turns into a mental health problem.’
Here, Shari explores some tools that may help…
Exercise
‘Exercise is incredibly valuable in helping us to cope during difficult times. Start with what feels most doable for you, so that might be simply going for a walk a few times a week. Fitness classes can be useful as they need us to concentrate, so can help take our mind off worrying thoughts.’
Focus on the basics
‘There are two ways that we can positively approach trying to cope with uncertainty to support our mental health. One is reaching out for help and the other is doing the daily things that we know are protective of mental health.
‘For example, we know that feelings of wellbeing can be protected by ensuring that our diet provides adequate amounts of nutrients such as essential vitamins and minerals, as well as enough water.
‘We also know that trying to get enough good-quality sleep is vital.’
Challenge your thoughts
‘Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) has been shown to be helpful in reducing stress by changing the way we think about stressful situations. If you find yourself worrying about the same things on repeat, try to catch the thoughts, write them down and challenge them. You could ask yourself if what you’re worrying about is likely to happen. Are you being realistic, or are there other potential outcomes?’
Limit exposure to news
‘If difficult news stories are affecting your wellbeing and adding to your own personal stress, it’s OK to step away from social media or limit your exposure to news channels for a bit. If we’re regularly seeing images of people in distress around the world, it’s normal that we might experience feelings of turmoil and uncertainty. Controlling when and how often you access news may help you feel less overwhelmed.’
Recognise when stress has become a problem
‘It’s really important that we recognise in ourselves if the level of stress we’re experiencing has become unhealthy, so that we can address it quickly. Normal stress shouldn’t be persistent or last a long time. Other signs that stress and uncertainty may be interfering with your ordinary living can include problems getting to sleep and staying asleep, persistent low mood, persistent experience of anxiety, an inability to switch off from worrying or that you’re withdrawing from friends and family.’
Seek help
‘Sometimes people tell themselves that things would have to be really serious before they reach out for help. But as with any physical health condition, you’re much better seeking help from your GP for chronic stress and mental health worries early, than waiting for things turn into a crisis.
‘The same applies to financial stress too. There is support available for people facing financial stress. Not being afraid to seek advice early from organisations like Citizens Advice, StepChange, energy companies and specific debt advisors can make a huge difference.
‘Reach out to people who you trust about how you’re feeling, too. The more connected and supported we feel, often the more resilient also.’
For more information, please visit mentalhealth.org.uk