Time Out in the midst of World Wars
It's been a challenging few years with wars in so many countries. We feel the impact when we watch the news, know of neighbours from those countries or when we go to the supermarkets or gas stations and see the price inflation. As part of one world connected by media, it is not hard to find out what is going on in the world. But do we always want to know? It can feel like a scary time, a time of uncertainty. For many people, the news contributes to their feelings of depression and anxiety. Yet, when we look at history, there have been things happening over the centuries that are similar, and life has continued. While we should not be complacent, we also have to balance out our exposure to what is happening. If you are feeling overwhelmed, it is important to take some concrete steps to alleviate some of the stressors. One such way is to take a break from what you normally do. Head out and find a place that is safe and different from where you normally spend your days. Recently, I found this creek, pictured above, with a few others I was with one Sunday afternoon, in the heart of Edmonton. I wanted to try and photograph running water and to capture the "milky" look that trends these days. I had to slow down to see what would work before I could capture my best shot. The challenge was new to me, but good for me. Why? Well, primarily because I was doing something different and in a place that I don't normally visit. My days are busy working at the U of A Hospital or seeing clients in my private practice. But stopping to try something new was, without doubt, good for my mind, body, and spirit.
How to slow down in Life
What could you do to pace yourself and not be exhausted from all the stories and accounts that you hear are unfolding in world politics? What could you try to pursue or explore? These are the kinds of questions I often pose to clients in therapy. More and more people report feeling low and worried about world events. They are busy too with work and their families. There is a lot of uncertainty in life that doesn't promote stable emotional health. The purpose of counselling is to help people regulate their mental state as far that is possible. Some people need to see their general practitioner and have medication prescribed, and others need just some time to process what is going on for them emotionally, and they may or may not need medication. Counselling is the part that engages with people and seeks to help people understand their thoughts, feelings and behaviour.
Counselling can Help
A cognitive behaviour approach is one method that can be very useful for people. Clients can learn aspects of it and employ it themselves to help them assess, evaluate and cope with their experiences. By engaging in cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), clients can learn to slow down and manage their fears and worries and ultimately feel happier and more hopeful. With some practical tools to use, people can also be better equipped to realize that they can maybe slow down a bit and enjoy life around them. Moments out in nature can be great sources of rejuvenation. Would you have thought this creek in the photo was in Edmonton? I wouldn't have before I saw it. Go out and seek something different. Give yourself a much needed break to reflect and renew your spirit. And if you want to explore more about yourself and your thoughts, feelings and actions - shoot me an email and we can go from there.
Understanding the signs, symptoms, causes, and treatment of depression is the first step to overcoming the problem.