November 13th, 2024
This resource article is intended to be for informational purposes only. Any clinical information or advice contained in this article is not intended as a thorough, in-depth delivery of clinical service and does not replace what a clinician would provide during a session in a regular format, and should not be used to form a diagnosis or determine medication usages or frequencies that a physician or other mental health professional would provide. If you or someone you know are facing a crisis situation, please call the BC Crisis Centre at +1.800.784.2433 (1-800-SUICIDE) or visit their website, call 911 or your local emergency line, or visit the nearest emergency room.
You’re not alone!
The world is in a state of constant flux. Political instability, economic challenges, and the current and looming threats of conflict have created an environment where uncertainty is sadly the only certainty some of us may be feeling. For many, the consequences of living in such turbulent times are not just abstract fears or concerns; they are very real, with tangible effects on their mental wellness. The anxiety that arises in the face of the unknown, coupled with trauma from past events, can create an overwhelming sense of distress that makes it difficult to find peace in the present moment. These experiences can manifest in a variety of ways, including persistent anxiety, feelings of helplessness, depression, and unresolved grief. However, despite these challenges, there are effective ways to address and manage the emotional toll of trauma and uncertainty – chief among them is seeking professional help to guide you on a path to greater mental wellness.
Barriers, be gone.
Living with trauma, whether from past experiences or from the ongoing volatility of world events, can make everyday life feel like a series of obstacles. Trauma can take many forms, from physical and emotional scars left by a traumatic event to the invisible wounds created by a long period of exposure to stressful situations. For those who have experienced trauma – whether through violence, loss, or significant life disruptions – the emotional aftermath can be long-lasting and deeply affecting. Even more troubling is how trauma can often go unaddressed, festering and manifesting in ways that limit one’s ability to engage with the world fully. In uncertain times, such as those we are living through now, these wounds are often magnified, as the constant barrage of bad news, crises, and conflicts may trigger or intensify feelings of anxiety, fear, and helplessness.
Anxiety is one of the most common responses to trauma, and it can take hold in many different forms. For some, it may be a sense of constant worry about the future, an inability to relax or feel safe in one’s surroundings. For others, it may manifest as physical symptoms – such as a racing heart, shallow breathing, or a knot in the stomach – that reflect the deep sense of unease that the mind cannot easily release. When the world around us seems unpredictable and fraught with danger, this constant state of vigilance is not just a natural response (“fight or flight”); it can become a burden that prevents us from living freely and fully. In times of political uncertainty, climate change anxiety, social unrest, you name it, it can feel as though the very foundation of our sense of safety is crumbling, amplifying the fears that were already beneath the surface.
Understanding the “why” behind your current feelings.
For individuals who have experienced trauma in the past, the combination of unresolved emotional wounds and the growing unease brought on by global instability can create an emotional storm that seems impossible to navigate. Those who have lived through war, natural disasters, or personal loss may find themselves reliving old memories in the midst of new, global crises. For those of us that are fortunate to live in relatively conflict-free areas of the world, our trauma may result from other experiences, but are not to be overlooked or undermined. Regardless of our source(s) of trauma, the sense of vulnerability that accompanies it is exacerbated when the world around us feels like it’s becoming more hostile or unpredictable. This heightened state of emotional distress can make it difficult to focus on the present moment, to feel a sense of control over our own life, or to believe that there is any real sense of security to be found.
Grief is another powerful emotion that can accompany trauma and anxiety. When we face the loss of something we once held dear – whether it be a person, a way of life, or even a sense of stability or normalcy – the process of mourning can be long, complex, and difficult to navigate. Grief doesn’t follow a linear path; it is filled with ups and downs, unexpected moments of despair, and long periods of feeling stuck in what can only be described as an emotional limbo. In times of uncertainty, grief can be particularly challenging to process because it may be compounded by a deep fear of further loss. The anticipation of more tragedy or the fear that nothing will ever be the same again can create a further sense of helplessness, making it difficult to move through the stages of grief in a healthy manner. For those who have lost loved ones to violence, illness, or other forms of trauma, these feelings of grief are often tangled with the larger, more existential worries about the state of the world. The grief of the past becomes interwoven with the anxiety of the present, and the uncertainty of the future.
Depression, too, can be an outcome of prolonged trauma and anxiety, particularly when the individual feels overwhelmed by the emotional weight of everything happening around them. The weight of loss, fear, and constant stress can lead to a pervasive sense of hopelessness and despair. Individuals may feel trapped in a cycle of negative thoughts, unable to see a way out or a way forward. In the face of global uncertainty, depression can deepen, as the individual feels as though there is no escape from the dark cloud hanging over their head. It is during times like these that the need for support and guidance becomes especially critical.
Where do I go from here?
The good news is that there is always a path forward – paths that allow individuals to heal, regain their emotional equilibrium, and move through trauma, grief, anxiety, and depression with greater resilience. One of the most important steps toward achieving mental wellness is to acknowledge that help is needed, and to seek out the right kind of support. Clinical counselling with a qualified professional provides a safe space for individuals to explore their emotional struggles, gain validation for and clarity on their experiences, and develop healthier ways to cope with the challenges they face. This professional support is not just about discussing problems; it’s about engaging in a deeper process of healing that fosters lasting change and growth. And it IS a journey!
A skilled clinician should offer you a non-judgmental environment where you can unpack the weight of your emotions, without the fear of being misunderstood or dismissed. Make no mistake, at Coastality you’ll have some work to do, and you may be held to task, but in a clinical setting you’re encouraged to express your thoughts, feelings, and fears, no matter how complex or overwhelming they may seem. For those struggling with trauma, this process can be especially healing. Experienced professionals, like those at Coastality, understand the nature of trauma and its effect on both the mind and body. They are equipped with the knowledge and tools to help individuals process their traumatic experiences in a healthy way. Rather than avoiding or suppressing painful memories, clinical counselling offers strategies for integrating those memories into one’s sense of self in a way that leads to healing, rather than further harm.
When it comes to anxiety, clinical counselling provides a structured approach to managing the physiological and emotional symptoms associated with heightened stress. A professional will work with the individual to explore the root causes of their anxiety and develop coping mechanisms to reduce its impact. This might involve teaching mindfulness techniques, grounding exercises, or reframing negative thought patterns. The goal is not to eliminate anxiety altogether (a certain amount is healthy!), but to help the individual regain a sense of control over their emotional responses, so that anxiety does not rule their life. Through counselling, individuals can learn how to respond to stress in a more balanced way, finding ways to cope that allow them to remain engaged in their lives without being overwhelmed by worry.
For grief, counselling can provide a framework for understanding and processing loss. The grief that arises from trauma or the fear of impending tragedy can be paralyzing, but with professional support, individuals can work through the various stages of mourning, finding meaning in their loss and ultimately emerging stronger and more resilient. A counsellor can guide individuals through the difficult emotions that often accompany grief – such as sadness, anger, guilt, and confusion – helping them to navigate these feelings without becoming consumed by them. In a world that feels increasingly uncertain, being able to grieve in a healthy way is essential for emotional healing and long-term mental wellness.
Depression, particularly when it is linked to trauma and anxiety, is another area where clinical counselling can offer significant benefit. Through various techniques, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or emotion-focused research-evident clinical interventions, a counsellor can help individuals reframe negative thought patterns and challenge the beliefs that contribute to their depressive feelings. The goal is to empower individuals to shift their focus from a sense of helplessness to one of self-compassion and agency. It is through this process that many begin to rediscover their sense of hope, even in the face of uncertainty. Depression may not vanish overnight, but with the right guidance and support, individuals can develop the tools they need to regain their emotional balance and begin living a more fulfilling life.
What’s the takeaway?
In uncertain times, it is easy to feel as though the world is beyond our control. But the reality is that we do have control over how we respond to the challenges we face. Seeking out professional help is one of the most empowering steps an individual can take toward mental wellness. It is not a sign of weakness, but rather a recognition that we are all deserving of support as we navigate the complexities of life. Whether the struggle is with trauma, anxiety, grief, or depression, clinical counselling with a qualified professional offers a pathway to healing that can help individuals find their way through the emotional storm and emerge stronger, more resilient, and better able to face the future.
In a world filled with uncertainty, with the right support, the journey toward mental wellness is not only possible – it is transformative.
Ready to join us on a journey to greater mental wellness? Please don’t hesitate to get in touch! Our intake process is simple and quick – simply fill out the contact form, and a member of our team will be in touch within 24 hours for a 10-15 minute phone call to get things started.