Allow yourself to feel the uncertainty

Intolerance of uncertainty is often representative of tension disorders that range from generalized anxiety to obsessive-compulsive disorder. COVID-19 pandemic has heightened the uncertainty over the economy, employment, finances, relationships, and in fact, physical well being. We have different capacities for tolerating the different levels of uncertainty in life. Some people enjoy taking risks and living unpredictable lives, while others find the randomness of life deeply distressing. But everyone has their limit. If you are feeling overwhelmed by uncertainty and worry, it is important to know that you’re not alone; many people are in identical situation at present.

In an interesting survey by the People Management and also the CIPD, supporting people’s mental status and well-being is the foremost challenge for nearly 70% of employers.

Macro-levels of humanity apart, people’s mental status is getting affected on the individual level in India, due to the following:
1. Anxiety over the closure of companies, loss of jobs, worsening financial conditions.
2. Panic over possibly running out of food and essential supplies.
3. Obsessive worry and negative thoughts about their loved ones potentially contracting the virus.
4. Obsession for checking the news for updates in every five minutes, feeling anxious after they check the news.
5. Confusion over when the lockdown in India will end and when there will return to normal routines.
6. Adjustment disorders with reference to staying indoors and doing all the household chores by themselves (referring to folks that are accustomed to employ maids and cooks, who have now stopped coming to work).
7. Relationship problems as a result of being stuck with members of the family or spouse for longer times; resulting in greater fights, conflicts and stresses. 

8. The sense of despair, doom and gloom about the future of humanity. 

9. Prolonged sense of helplessness with themselves.
10. Over- indulgence in conspiracy theories and fantasies about the pandemic.

Economic Issues arise with uncertainty
Economic uncertainty can have an overpowering effect on employee's mental status. Both businesses and employees are feeling the pressure of trade wars and unpaid or partially paid salary structure. All of this cause uncertainty for organizations, making them stall big decisions. Large scale lay-offs due to closing down of companies is compounding the matter many fold. These scenarios breed insecurity that successively affects employee’s mental condition, especially if they're not planning for change. 

Learning to handle Uncertainty
Worrying can make it seem to you as if you have got some control over uncertain circumstances. You will believe that it'll facilitate you to find an answer to your problems or prepare you for the worst. Maybe if you only agonize over an issue long enough, just think through every possibility, or read every opinion online, you’ll find an answer and be ready to control the result. Unfortunately, none of this works. Chronic worrying can’t provide you with more control over uncontrollable events; it just robs you of enjoyment of the present, saps your energy, and keeps you up all night. But there are healthier ways to handle uncertainty—and that begins with adjusting your mindset.

The following tips can facilitate to cope up with uncertainty:
1. Engage yourself in wellness activities 

Physical activity releases anxiety-reducing chemicals, while acting as a healthy distraction.

2. Don’t allow the news of the day to dominate all of your discussions
Notice how you're feeling after engaging on social media or news updates and make needed changes.

3. Work along with your thoughts
Accept there'll be some uncertainty. Letting go of worries about the long run may be easier said than done, but like all other skills, it gets easier with practice.

4. Build your emotional resilience
Write a list of all of your strengths. Remember times in your life when you had overcome difficulties and remind yourself of all of your resources, and positive coping strategy.

5. Healthy Eating
Take proper diet as when you eat healthy your body responds in a healthy manner.

6. Learn to merely accept uncertainties
No matter how much you strive to eliminate doubt and volatility from your life, the fact is that you already accept many uncertainties daily.

7. Ask people to assist
There’s no shame in seeking help from a trained professional or any of your friend and relative. Many people from all walks of life have found healing from counseling, therapy, and other services.

"How rare, and intensely felt this life experience is. How complex, and confusing it is. Luckily, we’re not here to work everything out. We are here to live—to live everything". 

Written By:
Komal Gupta
Intern, Brain Behaviour Research Foundation of India