I am so glad to be back with you after a well needed break from the daily grind. A few things have crossed my mind over the past few months. My experience in working with students during 2022, really woke me up to the reality of the impact in increase in depression, loneliness, suicidal ideation and hopelessness. These incidences are ever increasing in youth and the impact cannot be denied. You might ask, “What is the answer to the growing prevalence” and my true response is, “I don’t have an exact answer”. However, I am willing to share the guidance I am giving my own older children.
Step 1: Take one day at a time. Do not allow your situation to seem larger than the moment. Everything that has a beginning, will find its ending.
Step 2: Breathe. This allows for reflection on the more positive moments in life and the ability to energize a rational coping plan to get through the current burden(s).
Step 3: Seek help. This is not a journey to take on your own. There is someone there you are likely missing, who is able to provide just the support you need.
Step 5: Step back (don’t run away). Allow yourself a moment of space from the situation. All too often I see people running back towards the initial problem(s) or running away only to run into the issues again. Stepping back is a technique of maintaining control in the moment, but not fighting the issue, but reviewing what may have caused it and determining a plan to resolve it.
Be encouraged and know there is more goodness in the moment then unresolve. Seek your answers in smaller steps in lieu of trying to conquer the world in one day. Know that in all things, with the right steps, there is a solution for your survival though this may not always mean a resolution to the issue at hand…and that is okay.
The Brown Ag Girl 