Trying not to get swept up

Sometimes, the storm of negative feelings gets too strong. 

As it is mental health awareness month, I find myself reflecting on my current mindset and well-being. I would like to consider myself a generally positive person. I try to look on the bright side of negative situations. However, I’ve come to realise that sometimes I do find myself falling head first into what ifs, what went wrong and all the negative feelings. It becomes difficult when I start stressing about due dates, relationships or errands during the time I’m trying to rest, it’s quite counter-productive and frustrating.

Slowly, I’ve learnt to notice the signs of when I start to get swept up and spiral into negative emotions. For me, it starts with a foggy racing mind when my physical body cannot keep up and I find myself unable to take action. It’s easy to get caught up on something in particular that isn’t going well and focus our energy on that. In these moments, I find it helpful to reassure myself that even the most complicated of situations will reach a conclusion, as I have in the past, I will find the strength within myself to work through this.

Overall, I aim to focus on parts of a situation that are under my control and what actions I can take at the moment, rather than being bogged down by the uncontrollable. As a dear friend tells me:

"It’s not about what you can’t do, it’s about what you can do."

If anything, remembering this helps me make a start, to build up momentum and courage. 

Please note- do not hesitate to seek professional advice if you have negative feelings often. The University of Adelaide offers Counselling Support among other support services. Emergency services include; the University Crisis Line, SA Mental Health Service, and Suicide Call Back Service.