Waiting for news

There are times in life when we get some bad news and we just have to wait until we know more; there’s nothing we can do to change that. Our loved ones could be seriously ill in hospital, we may be pregnant and there’s uncertainty about the babies health, or . How do we manage that uncertainty and what can we do to get through the experience?

I’m going to focus on mindset here, and what I always emphasise is the value in staying grounded and staying in the moment.

Our brains are hard-wired to be problem solving machines and a situation like this can mean they’re working in overdrive, drowning us in “what-ifs.”

What can really help is sticking to facts and asking ourselves that every day: what are the facts right now? What do I know for sure? These are the facts that I’m going to work with today and I'm going to focus on the situation right now rather than what might happen or where my imagination might want to take me.

Make sure we’re looking after the three fundamentals we need to stay healthy and able to cope; enough sleep, enough of the right kind of food, and enough social contact for us (staying in touch with friends and reaching out when we need to).

The news will take care of itself on its own schedule and look after ourselves puts us in the best shape to deal with anything that comes.

Sticking with the facts that we know can help us avoid being overwhelmed, whether we’re dealing with our own issue or supporting a loved one.

If you would like to talk to me about issues with your mental health, you can complete the online submission form or contact me directly at: mckellarCBT@gmail.com