It’s important to be aware of your options for managing your emotional health in distressing situations. 

There are always options. Yes, they may sometimes seem inadequate in the face of immense suffering. But still, we each are tasked with finding a way through these situations for ourselves. 

A few suggestions are humbly offered: 

Don’t go it alone with negative emotions. Talk about them with someone you trust … a partner, a friend, a family member, a mentor, and/or a counselor (contact us for an appointment). They just need to listen, not find solutions for you. 

Remember the good in the face of the difficult. 

Notice your thoughts and emotions. 

Be compassionate with yourself and others. 

Practice meditative activities. 

Stay connected with people who care about you. 

Purposely welcome moments of joy, curiosity, playfulness, and awe into your life. 

Strive for emotional balance.

Get enough sleep. 

Eat as well as you can. 

Keep your body and brain engaged in something positive, creative or comforting. 

Stay informed—in moderation. Allow yourself breaks from the despairing news of the day. 

Welcome any and all moments of laughter. 

Accept that you may not be able to change a situation. Let go of what you cannot change. The task is in how you response in the letting go. 

Take action to better the situation or at least resist the doom. Little actions  can be just as important, and more manageable, than big actions. 

Consciously strive to notice and respect others’ humanity. Everyone matters. 

Consciously practice kindness.