What many of us are experiencing with being isolated, quarentined, 6 feet apart is basically what anxiety, post traumatic stress and depression does to an individual. Except the confines are within their mind, so it’s not something visible to the human eye unlike today’s current situation where we see our mouths covered, are expected to stay at a distance. A mechanism in our brain often known as fight or flight often appears after a traumatic time or situation. Lord knows I have experienced trauma more than just a few times in my life. While I am not a doctor, nor do I have a certificate to back me, I come from the school of hard knocks. Life has knocked me down, taken the wind out me, and yet that adrenaline that kicks in for fight or flight serves a purpose.
While I’m not an expert, I have learned alot through dealing with post trauamtic stress. It’s not a scary word. We often associate it with military veterans who fought with such courage for our countries. With all of this isoaltion going on, it leaves us susceptible to a host of issues including anxiety and depression. There have been times in my life where I have intentionally drawn back from others as a means to protect myself. The one huge down side to this approach is not only am I not allowing negativity, but I’m also not able to recieve the good stuff! Isolation is never good! With so much happening on the news, social media, weather, its obvious that it is a complete uproar and nothing but chaos around. Which is where I come in. I like to provide practical ways to become part of a solution and not the problem. I don’t have an agenda. I’m not seeking fame and fortune. I just want to help.
In my own personal life, I have had to fight spiritually for my family. I was called to their side to not only help them but myself included. It didn’t end well for either of my brothers nor my father who last their battle with this invisible disease. They ended it. Flight kicked in and suicide was their only means to cope. While I walked along side of them, often engaged in conversation, chances are I probably had no idea what their inner dialog was like.
Which is where it begins. The utmost important relationship is the one you have with yourself. What goes in must come out. Its like a record playing in your mind, we all have one. An inner voice that criticizes, critiques, or encourages. In psychological terms its called having a “critical parent” that constantly speaks into your mind. The flight mechanism can be used in a positive way. We often regard the term fight with a negative connotation. However what happens when its channeled into a positive mindset. Similar to an athlete preparing for a game, a race or competition, they exercise over and over again. Just like muscle holds memory, your brain has the same potential. When anxiety hits you have to fight back. There will always be something to be anxious about in this thing called life. One thing I have clung to is scripture. Just like applying medicine to a wound, scripture has the same capability for combating stress and anxiety. Think about it, have you ever gained anything by worrying about something? It is futile and usually produces nothing but stress hormones.
This is not a one size fits all either believe me when I tell you. There are times when your mind has endured so much stress or there may be an underlying chemical imbalance. How do I know? Again I’m not a doctor, however when my body no longer functions as it should including the ability to sleep or eat I’m in trouble. I no longer need to suffer from insomnia nor lose 30 pounds in a matter of weeks due to effects of anxiety, depression or post traumatic stress. And it is written in scripture that doctors were needed. Why would we be any different. We are not!! Its the stigma associated with it that again keeps us confined in our minds.
Another key to overcoming or fighting is exercise. It releases natural endorphins similar to taking an anti-depressant. It is one of the most underused God given abilities that helps unlock the door of the prison in our own minds. Don’t believe me? Try it for yourself. Take a short walk, jog,bike or anything that gets the blood flowing and you will find the Ancient Chinese Secret!! Endorphins!! One of the greatest stress relievers. Sure you may be a little sore but thats the price you pay for fit mental health.
Socialization and belonging to a group! Another key to keep up your emotional health. Its all tied up in one pretty little package and to stay balanced you need a little of everything. We are compared to sheep in the bible. We were created to be social beings. It is INATE! There are so many groups you can become a part of. Whether it’s a book club, golf, group exercise, painting, church, support group, bowling. You name it and there is a group for you where you can find people with common interests. If there isn’t one, create one! Take advantage of this wonderful thing called social media.
The power of distraction! Have you ever witnessed a child in a complete melt-down and you pull a fast one like offering ice-cream or a fun outing. Their crying will stop in a heartbeat. As adults we have to self regulate that component because I’m pretty sure we don’t have personal escorts to offer us candy or someother treat to re- shift our focus. Some times this method is great and you can table an issue for a little bit and re-visit it when you are ready.
Last but certainly not least is counsel , therapy of some other type of support group. Sometimes you just need to talk! And in order to even do that effectively you need a good un-biased listener. One whom you trust and feel at ease with, who will not impose his or her ideas on you but simply help guide you to your light bulb moment. Sometimes you have to dig the dirt to find the riches. Some of the dirtiest things contain the most precious gifts like diamonds or pearls.
In closing, failing to plan, is planning to fail. Don’t wait until the storm hits to practice good habits. No man is an island and you don’t want to be socially distanced in your mind. Anxiety is a potential trap that will rob you of the life that God has for you. Jeremiah 29:11 “For I have good plans for you” says the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future”.
IN DEEP WATERS 