No matter how long youve lived in Louisiana, youve likely experienced some type of turmoil that led to emotional trauma. Whether youre still ravished by hurricane Katrina or fell victim to the more recent hurricane, Ida, the physical, emotional, and financial impacts are overwhelming and ongoing. Add the global pandemic and the inflation crisis, and youve got a recipe for disaster. Although these circumstances are enough to make anyone want to give up, Louisiana residents are encouraged to push through.
Improving Emotional Health During Times Of Uncertainty
How do you keep your spirits up when everything seems to be going wrong? It wont be easy, but there is hope. Continue reading for advice.
Put Down (Or Stop) The Vices
When you feel like you have no control over your life or circumstances, its common to turn to temporary sources of happiness to get through the day. Some people increased their alcohol consumption to numb the physical and emotional pain theyre experiencing. Some residents abuse drugs, chasing a high that enables them to forget their troubles. Others gamble, hoping to hit big and resolve their financial problems.
These vices may fill a void for a moment, but ultimately, your issues remain. Thats why its time to put down or stop the vices. Whether you need to contact the alcohol abuse hotline, enter drug rehab, join a gamblers anonymous group, or have the willpower to go cold turkey, eliminating these unhealthy coping mechanisms will improve your mental wellness.
Control What You Can
You may not be able to pass legislation, change laws, develop a cure for COVID-19, or resolve the worlds inflation and climate change issues, but there are things you can control. You have complete power over how you respond to these events and what you do to prevent or reduce how it impacts your everyday life.
Analyze every area of your personal, professional, and social life. What are some things you can do to safeguard yourself and others from todays uncertainties? For example, get your finances in order. Review your income compared to your expenses and find ways to cut unnecessary spending and save on essentials. Start setting a cushion aside for emergencies. Also, apply for government or private assistance programs to ease your financial problems.
When your finances are intact, it ensures youre ready for what lies ahead and provides peace of mind. Ultimately, as you simplify and improve every area of your life, you feel more confident and prepared to take on whatever happens next.
Do Things You Enjoy
Focusing too much of your time, money, and energy on current events and the impact on your everyday life will only lead to emotional turmoil. You have to find ways to live in the moment and be happy. When you make enjoyment part of your life, it becomes the motivation that fuels you during those challenging times.
You dont have to take a week off work or spend a ton of money to find ways to enjoy yourself. You can spend time with friends and family, plan a weekend getaway, get a massage, go to a movie, treat yourself to a meal, buy something nice (within reason), or engage in a fun activity at home.
Support Your Community
Youre not the only one going through a hard time. There are residents across Louisiana that are struggling to survive. Why not boost your happiness and improve the lives of others by supporting your community? Helping others creates an opportunity for you to meet new people, discover new perspectives, share stories, get advice, and more. It also encourages others to do the same. A community that stands strong together can get through anything.
Shop at a local business, donate to a nonprofit organization, volunteer your time at a school, clean up a neighborhood, hand out meals, or even host a giveaway. Whatever your contribution, it will lead to improved mental wellness.
Theres no denying that past and current times are contributing to the mental decline of Louisiana residents. Although things look grim and uncertain, you mustnt let it stop you from living the best life possible. If you can learn to put down the vices, gain control over what you can, do things you enjoy, and support others, your mental health and outlook on the uncertain future will improve.
