…That We Can Do To Maintain Healthy Nervous Systems In These Chaotic Times
Much of humanity is experiencing fear and worry. The crises we face are global in nature.
As climate change precipitates extreme weather events, the value of community will only increase in the coming years as we navigate more unsettling times.
As a result, we will face greater political and economic uncertainty in many parts of the world, due to wars and human migration.
When I began my career as a psychotherapist in 1995, I had been trained to keep my political and spiritual views outside of clinical sessions. However, it is becoming increasingly difficult to separate these aspects of our lives from our work as therapists, especially as more people are directly affected by these global events.
The landscape of our society—& our planet—is changing.
Science tells us that species are becoming extinct. We can no longer avoid the conversations people are longing to have, which now include their perceptions of existential threats and the collective fate of humanity.
The media bombards our nervous systems with alarming levels of fear, and we can no longer ignore the reality that we are all in this world together.
Regardless of whether my clients are working class, middle class, or upper middle class, have indigenous roots, have moved from their country of origin, or identify as male, female, straight, gay, non-binary, trans, young, old, white, brown, immigrant, or foreign, they share particular perspectives. The world news is increasingly frightening to people, no matter their political or spiritual beliefs.
The young people I work with are anxious about their futures. Economic uncertainty is a real concern for them. Their parents worry that they will never know what it is like to live without anxiety in the way many of us did growing up.
My clients ask how I manage my own worries, knowing that chronic stress could ultimately affect my health. They want to understand the influence of politics on me, the effects of climate change in my area, and my personal spiritual experience in all of this.
It seems to me that these conversations can no longer be compartmentalised.
Lately, it’s not unusual for me to speak with a young woman of colour for example, about her views on politics, spirituality, sexuality and other aspects of life, in terms of how they affect her personal experience.
When clients express a desire to talk about their future, their children, the fate of humanity, or whether there is more to life than what the media presents, I try to understand how they are navigating their environment. When they seek direction and purpose in life, I encourage them to focus on the things that have helped me stay grounded in my place in the world.
Ways to Stay Focused & Resilient
- Care for your physical health. Eat well, drink water, get enough sleep, take extra naps when needed, and walk daily. (The basics).
- Care for your mental health and relationships. Stay connected to those around you who support you in being yourself and who share your values.
- Recognise your unique gifts. What are your favourite things to do that bring joy and peace to both you and others?
- Take breaks from the frenzied world of social media. Spend time alone each day, slow your breathing, and move more mindfully.
- Express your feelings truthfully and creatively. This helps to relieve stress and trauma from both past and present experiences. Find ways to do this alone, but also seek out groups where you feel welcome to share your struggles as well as your gifts.
- Be honest with yourself. Acknowledge how you feel, reflect on what you truly need, and examine your beliefs.
- Connect with nature as often as possible.
- Seek inspiration. Read uplifting stories, articles, and poems, listen to heartwarming music and podcasts, and watch positive videos—then share them with friends who might need them.
- If you are open to it, call on your ancestors. Asking for guidance can provide a sense of connection and belonging. Whether you believe in their presence or not, acknowledging them may help you feel less alone.
In these uncertain times, it is natural to feel overwhelmed, but we are not alone on this journey.
By nurturing our well-being, strengthening our connections, and finding meaning in our experiences, we can navigate the challenges ahead with greater resilience and hope.
The world is changing, but within each of us lies the power to shape how we respond—both for ourselves and for those around us.
“There is no alternative to persevering, and that does not require you to feel good. You can keep walking whether it’s sunny or raining. Take care of yourself and remember that taking care of something else is an important part of taking care of yourself, because you are interwoven with the ten trillion things in this single garment of destiny that has been stained and torn, but is still being woven and mended and washed.”
~ Rebecca Solnit
All photos by Catriona O’Curry
