Why am I feeling like this?
Many people are experiencing a mixture of thoughts and emotions which can be described as unsettled, unsure, fragile or edgy. A lot of what is underpinning our experience is grief. We are grieving collectively that we have lost the ability to physically connect with loved ones, that our world is changing so rapidly and there is uncertainty about our health, work and finances. We can no longer take our sense of safety for granted. Anticipatory grief, a form of anxiety, can play a big role in our mixture of feelings.
What can we do to manage these feelings?
Acknowledge and name them
Allow yourself to name the feeling. If we do not acknowledge and speak these feelings, they run the risk of creating full blown anxiety or panic within us. It is in the recognising and naming of these feelings that they lose some of their power over us and give us the opportunity to challenge them.
Challenge ‘worst-case’ thinking – focus on the present reality
Focus on your present realities. I am well, no-one is sick, I am social distancing. While you do this, engage in some deep, slow breathing…
Focus on your body
Keep breathing slowly. Ground yourself by pushing your feet into the floor and your body into your chair. Press your fingertips together or push your hands into the armrests of your chair. Breathe deeply and very slowly. Notice 4 things you can see in your space, 3 things you can feel, 2 things you can hear, something you can smell. Breathe deeply again. Do this 2 – 3 times if you need to.
Focus on what you can do.
Keep yourself and your household connected to each other and to the wider family and world. Find activities, games and projects you can do at home. Acts of kindness could help others’ grief and anxiety along with your own. Take a breath before reacting in frustration, everyone needs a little grace right now.
We will get through this and, when we do, we will emerge with skills, strengths and knowledge that will be gifted to following generations.
You are all immensely cared about here at Kildare College.
Heather Hanks
College Counsellor
