How to take control of ‘crisis’ talk

blackmorevaleSeptember 16, 20220 Comment0

by Alice Johnsen
The ‘cost-of-living crisis’ is a label or tagline that flows off the page very easily. Wherever you look, there is reference to it, often either written in unhelpful or anxiety-creating language.

It’s not all like that. A lot of media coverage is providing us with essential information so we can make informed choices about the months ahead. But I would also urge us all to remember, not all sources of news coverage are accurate. Can we really believe everything we read? Of course not. Many reports are too focused on the emotions this situation is triggering – an all too easy game for something as serious as the fuel and budget fiasco that is brewing up across Europe right now.
While we cannot necessarily help our reaction – which can become very draining and distracting – we can take control of how much of it we absorb. I remember talking about this during the early days of the coronavirus epidemic. Self-monitoring applies now as it did then. If the drip feed of fear-fuelled media is causing you to feel anxious about the immediate future, take a step back.

Unless you are employed in a role where you have a direct effect on the policies or prices we face, it’s okay to take a break from it. Switch off your news feed or radio for a few hours or a few days.
If you are feeling overwhelmed by your situation, I would urge you to seek help. My first port of call would be Citizens Advice. Go to www.citizensadvice.org.uk Getting help is not easy but the hardest part is the first phone call or first contact.
If, having read this, you would like to help others, can I suggest a charity which provides meals to feed people in need. The Country Food Trust uses game to produce single pouches or catering packs to support other charities feeding large numbers of people who need such support. If you’d like to support them please go to www.thecountryfoodtrust.org
Without doubt, this is the season to look after ourselves by taking a step back when we need to and by asking for help when we feel overwhelmed. It is also time to look out for our neighbours, too.