Living with uncertainty can be hard. There’s no doubt that we’re living through challenging times, and it can feel difficult to know how to cope when everything can, at times, feel so out of control. In this short blog post, we discuss some strategies on how to manage your mental health during uncertain times.

Staying connected
COVID-19 has increased anxiety for many of us, and it has been speculated that the psychological effects could long outlast the physical aspects of the virus. During this time of uncertainty, it’s important to remain connected and in touch with your loved ones. If you have friends or family members who make you feel positive and energised, then seek them out and explain how you’re feeling. Speaking to people about a problem can also help to rationalise a situation and calm fears. Although many of us are experiencing video conferencing fatigue, using video calls can help in this situation, as a smile is much more reassuring than a voice.

Taking action over the things you can control
There’s a truth in life that some people refuse to accept – you have no control over many things that happen during your lifetime. Many of us feel that we can stop bad things from happening if we gain control over other people and situations. Whilst others know they can’t prevent bad things from happening but worry about them anyway. Whatever your fears may be, try to refocus your mind on taking action over the things you can control: your mindset, attitude and emotional response.

Trying to learn to accept uncertainty
Dealing with the uncertainties of life can cause endless anxiety and stress – and there’s a lot of uncertainty in the air right now. The first step to dealing with uncertainty is to accept that we can’t control everything. Recognise that there is only so much you can do right now – and that makes you human, not powerless. It’s also key to remember that you’ve faced uncertainty before, so take time to reflect on what helped you to tackle previous problems. We may not be able to control uncertainty, but we can control our response to it and that’s resilience.

Further advice and support
If you’re looking for further support with your mental health during these uncertain times, then please see the below resources for more information and help:
MIND
Mental Health Foundation