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The unpredictability of life is one of the most terrifying things to deal
with. Even the most optimistic of us may sometimes dwell on the fact that
our lives could be turned upside down at any moment. Life can be
incredibly exciting, but the fact that we never really know what’s coming
can also be frightening. If you’re trying to cope with a curveball, here
are some common causes of stress and upset, and some strategies I've used to help me pull through.
Loss
Nothing can prepare you for the pain you experience when you lose somebody
you love. Even if you’re in a situation where a loved one has been ill for
a long time, and they are receiving
palliative care, it can be incredibly difficult to cope when that person is no longer
there. When my parents passed away within a year of each other, the pain was like a physical pain I couldn't shake. Even though time can be a great healer, many people admit that they
never really feel the same after losing somebody special. You learn to move on, but life is never quite what it used to be. If you’re dealing with
loss, take your time, don’t rush the grief process, and open up when you feel ready. It helped me to lean on friends and family especially my sisters who shared my grief. talk
about how you feel and don’t hesitate to ask for help. Seeing a therapist
who has expertise in grief counseling is a good idea once you reach a stage
where you’re ready to talk.
Illness
Many of us assume that we’ll be fighting fit well into old age. The trouble
is that this isn’t always the case. One day, you might feel fine. The next,
you may not. If you’ve been injured in an
accident, you’ve been diagnosed with a severe illness, or you’re trying to
come to terms with somebody close to you battling serious health issues, it
can be difficult to move forward. Take time to process the information
you’ve been given if you’re recovering from an accident/illness or you’ve received
bad news about a loved one, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Seek
professional advice and guidance, talk about your
feelings and emotions, and take every day as it comes. It can be tough not to jump ahead and
think about how the future will pan out, but try and focus on the present.
Back in January, I discovered a lump in my breast. While I immediately jumped to all sorts of conclusions, it was important to remain calm and seek professional advice. I saw my Ob/Gyn and went for a mammogram and ultrasound to get results quickly. I did research and talked to others who have had similar experiences. In the end, the lump was a benign cyst. But the mental roller coaster I was on in those few weeks was incredibly stressful.
Relationship Breakdown
We've all experienced some sort of loss of love, whether it's in a marriage or a close friendship. If you’re
dealing with a breakup, whether it was anticipated or not, it takes time to recover. You may
have planned the next 5, 10 or even 50 years with that person, and now,
life is going to be very different. In time, you may come to realize that
going your separate ways was for the best, but don’t be too hard on
yourself if it takes months, even years, for you to reach this point. Talk
to a therapist, confide in friends and family, and devote time to yourself and doing
things you love. Hobbies and social activities can help you to build
confidence, meet new people, and use your time constructively.
Sometimes even the best laid plans can change with no warning. The important thing to remember is there is always help for life's stressors. I always like to talk to people who have experienced it before you. They offer some of the best advice and tactics for making it through to the other side of a difficult life situation.
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