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7/29/2020 8:06:00 AM - Behavioral Health

Uncertainty Is Everywhere

 

For lots of us, life feels particularly uncertain lately. 

 

Most people are creatures of habit. When things go as planned, we feel in control. But, when life throws a curveball, it can leave us feeling anxious and stressed. Here are some steps you can take to help you better face life’s uncertainties:

 

Be kind to yourself. 

Don’t beat yourself up if your tolerance for unpredictability is lower than someone else’s. Remind yourself that it might take time for the stressful situation to resolve, and be patient with yourself in the meantime.

 

Reflect on past successes. 

Chances are you’ve overcome stressful events in the past—and you survived! Give yourself credit. Reflect on what you did during that event that was helpful and what you might like to do differently this time.

 

Develop new skills. 

When life is relatively calm, make a point to try things outside your comfort zone. From standing up for yourself to trying a new sport, taking risks helps you develop confidence and skills that come in handy when life veers off course.

 

Limit exposure to news. 

When we’re stressed about something, it can be hard to look away. But compulsively checking the news only keeps you wound up. Try to limit your check-ins and avoid the news during vulnerable times of the day, like right before bedtime.

 

Avoid dwelling on things you can’t control. 

When uncertainty strikes, many people immediately imagine worst-case scenarios. Get out of the habit of ruminating on negative events.

 

Take your own advice. 

Ask yourself: If a friend came to me with this worry, what would I tell her/him? Imagining your situation from the outside can often provide perspective and fresh ideas!

 

Control what you can. 

Focus on the things that are within your control, even if it’s as simple as weekly meal planning or laying out your clothes the night before a stressful day. Establish routines to give your days and weeks some comforting structure.

   

Seek support.

Many people isolate themselves when they’re stressed or worried. But social support is important, so reach out to family and friends.  And, if you’re having trouble managing stress and coping with uncertainty on your own, ask for help.  SCIT Behavioral Health (BH) has several resources that can help and is not limited to only those in crisis.  Anyone who needs mental health support can call and speak to a BH on-call worker:

 

During Business Hours: 

Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm

Call Behavioral Health at (989) 775-4850

 

Crisis and On-call Services:

Available 24 hours a day 

Call Tribal Dispatch at (989) 775-4700 and ask for the “BH worker on call.”  

o Only your first name and phone number need to be given to Tribal Dispatch.

o A BH on-call worker will return your call.

 

 

 

Source:  American Psychological Association. (2019, October 1). The great unknown: 10 tips for dealing with the stress of uncertainty. http://www.apa.org/topics/stress-uncertainty


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