You may recall with ease a pleasant day at the beach with your family when you were but seven years old. Sure, call me on my shell phone. Memories of intense terror or fear, however, are oftentimes denied or hidden by our very mind to protect us. Is there a scale of awfulness on which we can even measure our trauma?
If an incident is simply too difficult for you to make sense of, it may pose too great a risk to your emotional well-being. Feelings that cannot be brought to consciousness have a greater impact on our mental health. The challenge of recovering from this devastation includes forcing ourselves to imagine ultimately a good outcome from this horror.
Do not allow those who do not have your interests at heart to be in control of your story, sweet friends. You may be close to panic on a host of issues nearly all the time now. Your fears may seem overwhelming – almost debilitating at times. Will there be a global catastrophe? No one can say.
Please take the time to share with those who love you or understand your mind. But do not allow fear to color your worldview. Yes, there are demons; and we are facing mortal enemies. Yet, even in the midst of this torture, we need not add new layers of pain to it. Your inner world does not have to add more dread and disquiet.
Gradually, you will recover your taste for life. The horror will end, my friends. Listen to the soothing, kind voice of a friend or loved one. There may be strong emotions coursing through you right now. Do you feel anger, fear, rage, or resentment? Positive feelings may elude you as you try to go through your daily tasks.
Sometimes we cannot even disentangle our own feelings, as they may overwhelm us. Carve out time in your day to get acquainted with your true emotions, my friends. What are you feeling right now?
What may you be anxious about? What is your body feeling? Do you wish to curl into a ball and ache for reassurance? Extend adequate nurture to yourself. Comfort yourself at moments of difficulty. We are all creatures of moods that fluctuate tremendously.
Our frame of mind may shift from energetic and hopeful to downturns and sadness. Realize your vulnerability. Do not expect to stay unbothered at this time. Yes, your skin will be quite thin, but you and your people also have an indomitable will.
Seek out the right sort of company. Sadness is to be expected, sweet friends. Your friend will respect your low spirit and will remind you to care for yourself. Moods are simply a passing state of mind. Put a bit of distance between that dark disposition and your conscious self.
A fit of ill temper is not permanent. If you cannot shift the mood right now, do not fret. It too will pass. Do not allow the world to blow your candle out. Indeed, it’s been said: When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace. By all means, please keep the faith. You don’t need to see the whole staircase in order to take the first step.
How do you choose to spend your days? Snuggle up with a good book that inspires you. Drink a hot cuppa coffee or tea to soothe your nerves. A new study has shown that the best time to brew a pot of coffee is right now. And, you know, good friends don’t spill the beans.
Try not to focus on materialism at this time. That new pair of shoes can make your day. Sure, chocolate is good. But shoes are sugar-free. But seriously, look for self-fulfilling goals to get that euphoric feeling. Please make a habit of being around happy people. Participate in activities that decrease your anxiety. Acknowledge and share your feelings daily with a trusted friend.
How is your posture? Stand upright, please. Sitting up straight has a positive effect on your well-being. Please get enough sleep. It helps repair and renew all the cells in your body. Wash away those toxins and enjoy more mental clarity. You know that the amount of sleep required by the average person is five minutes more.
Your body will release endorphins when you exercise. Get moving. The only bad workout is the one that didn’t happen. Think before you speak or act. Above all, be present in the moment. Focus on one task at a time. Take breaks and practice relaxation. Lower your heart rate with some deep breathing.
Whatever you do, remember: It’s been said: If it doesn’t make the world better, don’t do it.
Caroline is a licensed psychotherapist, crisis counselor, and writer with an office in Queens. She works with individuals, couples, and families. Appointments are available throughout the week and weekends. She can be reached at 917-717-1775 or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or at facebook.com/pages/Safe-Haven-Healing.
