It's been a difficult few years for many with the pandemic, the cost of living crisis and as we roll into Christmas and the New Year, this can be a particularly trying time.
There are no simple or catch-all solutions but ensuring you're aware and trying small actions for a positive outcome count.
Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including those on social media. It’s good to be informed but hearing about the traumatic event constantly can be upsetting. Consider limiting news to just a couple of times a day and disconnecting from phone, tv, and computer screens for a while.
Take care of your body.
Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate.
Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals.
Exercise regularly.
Get plenty of sleep.
Avoid excessive alcohol, tobacco, and substance use.
Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy or in fact trying something completely new!
Talk to others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling. Share your problems and how you are feeling and coping with a parent, friend, counselor or doctor.
Connect with your community. Local groups, faith-based, sports-based... even your neighbours - whether inner city or not these are the people closest to you geographically!
Avoid drugs and alcohol. These may seem to help, but they can create additional problems and increase the stress you are already feeling.
Recognise when you need more help. There's always a benefit to reaching out to a healthcare professional if you feel you need more support. Stay well and remember big moves start with small steps!