Uneven Ground—How Uncertainty Affects Mental Health and Substance Use
Uneven Ground—How Uncertainty Affects Mental Health and Substance Use
You may be at a crossroads in your life right now. Something has happened that has thrown you off course. Now you aren’t sure what to do next. This can affect your mental health significantly. It can also lead to substance use to try and cope with the uncertainty in your life.
There is a healthy way of navigating uncertainty. Below is more information about uncertainty, its impact, and how you can navigate the uneven ground you are currently on.
What is “Uncertainty”?
As per the Counseling and Psychological Services at the University of Michigan:
Uncertainty is the result of having limited knowledge about an occurrence or event, making it difficult to control, plan, or predict a future outcome, which can often be distressing.
The Impact of Uncertainty on Mental Health
Not being able to predict the future and plan for it can lead to a lot of distress that expresses itself as:
· Anxiety
· Stress
· Depression
· Cognitive distortions
· Substance use
Tips for Managing Uncertainty
It’s very important to handle uncertainty in a healthy way. Remember: there is light at the end of the tunnel, and there is always a way through whatever uncertainty you are facing.
Below are some tips for managing uncertainty:
Identify the Cause
The first step should be to get to the root cause of your uncertainty. Sometimes it is obvious. If you were recently let go from your job, for instance, you may be uncertain about your career and even paying bills. Other times, identifying the cause of your uncertainty or what is causing the mental health struggles you are facing can be difficult.
Take some time to think through what is causing the uncertainty or distressing feelings you are experiencing. From there, you can put a plan of action in place.
Utilize Coping Mechanisms
There are a lot of coping mechanisms you can use to navigate through an uncertain time. Some of these include:
· Journalism
· Mindfulness
· Meditation
· Sharing with others
· Acceptance
· Gratitude
If you find that you are still in a distressed state, you may want to consider seeking help.
Seek Professional Support
For some, the coping mechanisms listed above are enough. Others need more support. If you feel distressed due to uncertainty that is affecting your mental state and/or increasing your substance use, seek professional support.
Reach out to Front Door Health Today!
You may want to seek help, but you may be worried about putting your life on hold to do so. With Front Door Health, you don’t need to. We offer in-home treatment for patients provided by top experts in the fields of rehabilitation and mental healthcare services.
If you feel like you are on uneven ground and need support, reach out today. We look forward to speaking with you and providing you with the help you need.
info@frontdoorhealthcenter.com
