If we know it has an endpoint, we can survive almost anything.
Struggles that seem to stretch into the distance are harder to hit. Uncertainty can affect resilience.
The distressing events in Ukraine, coupled with devastating floods at home in Australia and an alarming new international climate report may strain a nervous system already overburdened by the ongoing instability of a global Pandemic.
It is because it seems like a lot to process. It is a natural reaction to the traumatic times we are living through to feel overwhelmed with current events.
If you’re feeling foggy in the head and even simple tasks have become challenging, know that you’re far from alone
We have had to change our lives and minds for two years. Hypervigilance can be exhausting.
If you're feeling foggy in the head, and you're not alone, know that you're not alone.
Harvard researchers have dubbed the phenomenon "pandemic brain", where stress can cause fatigue, loss of concentration and other mood changes.
I've felt it as well. I get tired more often, lose focus more easily, and sometimes lack motivation.
Over the past two years, contacts to Beyond Blue's support services have shown that few have been left untouched by the challenges we've faced, but of course, some have struggled more than others.
A disproportionate psychological burden has been carried by people living in poverty, people in insecure work and housing, Indigenous people, small business owners, young people, and people with disabilities.
Stress can feel like a heavy weight to bear as we navigate our way through a world that looks different to us.
It is time for action at a system level. The system needs to be changed. We have the recommendations so let's get on with it.
There are things we can all do to achieve our best mental health, manage our sense of overwhelm and support others.
It's important to understand the difference between a natural reaction to events like floods and war and something that requires more attention. If your sense of distress and overwhelm is constant, please reach out for support at the first sign of struggle. Things can get worse if this is not done.
It can take time for the full impact of traumatic events to emerge so monitor your mood in the weeks and months that follow and don't wait for things to get worse before you seek help.
A protective factor is limiting news and social media consumption and getting your information from reliable sources. Our brains have a tendency to fixate in on the bad stuff because it's a survival mechanism that scans the environment for threats.
The worse we feel the more time we spend playing. You don't care about people's suffering if you limit your exposure to bad news and turn off notifications. Taking time away from screens to do things like talking to a friend or playing with a pet will give you the energy to be of service to others.
If you are able to offer assistance, connecting to your community's volunteer network or donating to the relief effort can make you feel more hopeful.
The basic foundations for good mental health may sound simple, but they are grounded in evidence, they work and they are more important than ever when the world feels overwhelming.
It's also important that self-compassion is present. If you aren't as productive as you used to be, don't beat yourself up. You should treat yourself the same way you would a friend, be kind, patient and forgive, and acknowledge that you are doing your best in challenging circumstances.
It can be comforting to remember that what you are feeling is an experience shared by many, as these are exceptional times and it is a lot to process. It's a good idea to reach out to those you trust and tell them how you feel.
Beyond Blue has a chief executive officer.
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