3 ways to cope with the anxiety about tomorrow
I woke up disturbed and in a cold sweat. My dreams were riddled with images from the news as the conflict between the United States of America and Iran heats up. Palestine and Israel are also at odds and the video images from the social media ‘feeds’ of schoolmates, family and friends who live in these parts, display the fiery unrest in these countries. In addition to this the latest so called ‘developments’ and proclamations of world leaders who make bold and not so bold statements adds to the anxiety. After the trauma of the pandemic, this recent unrest all over the world has really sealed the deal and a general feeling of ‘doom’ and anxiety is at an all time high.
Anxiety is not as simple as it seems, it can range anywhere from a simple disruption of some daily activities, to actual physiological changes in one’s brain. The more serious kinds of anxiety may need medical help, counselling and medication. However, for those like me who are dealing with a milder, circumstance driven condition here are some ways that have helped me cope.
Limit your time on social media
The startling onslaught of world events have not only caused anxiety but have also instilled in each of us a sense of despair which is closely accompanied by depression. A sense of emptiness and a loss of faith in the goodness of humanity. As we gaze at the images of bombings and distressed people, we ask ourselves the question “why would anyone want to engage in this senselessness called war?” While being up-to-date on world events is crucial at this juncture, we also need to stay shielded from it. The best way I have found is to limit my appetite for social media by limiting it. In this way I am less bombarded by images that cause me more anxiety.
Fact-check before you panic
Amid the mounting international crisis, the not so old conflicts between India and Pakistan resurfaced in my mind – making the war seem closer to home. Added to this are Deepfake and AI generated videos which make the events seem like they were happening in our immediate context. These images and statements are circulated in groups and this intensifies the feeling of panic. But good practice is a short google search to prove what is fact and what is fiction. ‘Fact-checking’ our sources of information are vital to combat such misinformation that causes panic. We should also not be quick to pass on distressing information either through conversations or through messages to others. This may add to the anxiety issues people may already be facing. So, for the mental welfare of yourself and others it is best to fact check your sources before passing on information.
Choose your “safe space”
When anxiety hits, my usual safe space is a good heart-to-heart with my husband, however sometimes this seems futile as well because I know that despite his comforting words there is little he can do. As a believing Christian another place I go to for comfort is God. The Bible tells me “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6-7). I know a lot of my friends choose yoga, meditation or a counsellor to talk it over, but for me God is the “safe space” I go to for peace.
Anxiety and the fear of tomorrow seems an almost inescapable feeling in our world at the moment. In fact, it may even seem reasonable or prudent to be anxious or worried considering the present humdrum of events. But a thought-provoking question posed by Jesus often gets me thinking whenever I feel anxious, He says “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” (Matthew 6:27-29). And the obvious answer to that is ‘No!’ we cannot. Our anxiety or the lack of it does not change world events, but the way we approach our anxious thoughts can change our lives for the better.
The writer is not a clinically trained psychologist or counselor. These notes and suggestions have been written based on their own experience, and based on observing others like themselves. If you need help, contact us by hitting the button below.
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