Feeling out of control is a heavy weight to carry, especially when the world around us feels so uncertain. Lately, it feels like the ground keeps shifting, from political tensions to rising costs, and even widespread conflict on a global scale.
For so many Canadians, the stress isn’t just in the headlines anymore - it has become personal. From job insecurity to mounting financial pressure, each layer adds tension and quietly damages our mental health and overall well-being.
In the face of uncertainty, there is also an opportunity to pause, reflect, and reset. Therapy gives you a safe space to do just that. It helps you sort through the chaos, find your footing again, and feel more in control, no matter what is happening in the world around you.
Read on to learn more about how therapists can be a guide during uncertain times, plus five simple strategies you can start using today to take care of your mind and body.
The constant churn of political and economic instability can leave us feeling drained, uncertain, and stuck in a mental fog as if we're carrying a weight we can't shake off.
According to a survey published by Mental Health Research Canada (MHRC), which gathered insights from 1,500 Canadians, national and global events have significantly influenced anxiety levels.
The top three stressors identified include:
These events, among others, have heightened stress, impacting mental health across the country.
A recent CBC article explores the serious repercussions of heightened political stress, with both short- and long-term implications. For example, acute stress can show up as physical symptoms like headaches or muscle tension, and if prolonged, it can lead to chronic health issues.
Long-term stress, also known as chronic stress, can linger in the body for extended periods. If left unaddressed, it can lead to more serious health issues, including:
This 2023 article highlights how daily political events can stir up negative emotions, which not only contribute to these mental health struggles but also, paradoxically, can increase our motivation to engage in political causes, despite the toll on our well-being.
This ongoing stress can intensify feelings of depression, as we become overwhelmed by both external events and the pressure to act, often neglecting our own mental health in the process.
When life feels uncertain and stress is mounting, therapy can be a tremendous lifeline. Together with a trained therapist, you will learn ways to effectively:
Therapy can help you make sense of everything going on, find ways to cope, and feel more in control, even when life feels overwhelming.
Not sure where to start? Consider booking a free 30-minute virtual consultation with a professional today.
For those seeking to enhance their therapy journey and protect their well-being before stress affects their mind and body, these approaches provide valuable support.
Taking care of ourselves by means of self-care and reducing our daily stress can be invaluable to our mental health.
Mindfulness and meditation are powerful tools that can help you slow down, breathe, and reconnect with the present moment. These practices reduce stress and help you handle tough emotions. Additionally, physical activity is another great way to relieve tension, helping boost your mood and lower stress levels.
The American Psychological Association also suggests two key strategies to find balance:
Finally, taking a moment to cultivate gratitude by appreciating the good things around you, like a kind gesture or a beautiful sunset, can remind you that not everything is out of your control.
It’s hard to fully grasp the impact of social media and news when we consume them every day. In reality, the effects they have on our health are much more significant than we realize.
With the constant bombardment of news and social media, it’s okay to set boundaries to protect your peace. Finding a balance here, such as setting reminders or limiting your screen time, prevents you from feeling overwhelmed, allowing you to recharge and face the world with a clearer mind.
As we know, having a strong support system in place is a powerful way to ease many of life’s anxieties - even those stirred up by global uncertainty.
Leaning on friends and family can provide a sense of comfort and security, reminding us that we’re not alone in our struggles.
For those who may feel apprehensive about bringing up political or global issues with loved ones, there are also community-based or virtual resources that offer a safe space to talk, process emotions, and find support.
Some of these include:
These connections can be therapeutic, as sharing experiences and emotions in a supportive environment creates a safe space for emotional processing, which can significantly improve our ability to cope with stress.
Stress and uncertainty may feel constant, but they do not have to control your life. Therapy can help you feel more grounded, supported, and steady.
If you have been putting off that first step, now is a good time to start. You deserve to feel better. Connect with On Your Mind Counselling for a free 30-minute session.
Written by Tori Mudie BA, MA, RP, CCC
