Natalie Hansen Counselling
406-555 6th street V3L 5H1 New Westminster, BC, Canada

Yes- Anxiety during this time is normal but let's keep it at a high functioning level. Here's a few tips from FACT BC: "Limit your information-seeking to specific times and to reliable sources. Turn off or mute other sources of news and information that can interrupt to cause your anxiety or stress to be triggered. Emotional reactions are often mitigated by taking action" rather than sitting and being paralyzed. Many counsellors are offering phone and video sessions as an alternative if you need support but want to stay at home.

Some overview of the ways trauma and chronic high stress affect the body and indications for treatment. "The ANS has two branches: the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems. We are designed to live in our parasympathetic nervous system most of the time. It’s a sort of green zone where the body is primed to rest and digest, with intermittent interruptions by stressors, such as deadlines at work and hard workouts in the gym. These stressors may push us into the red z...one by activating the sympathetic nervous system responsible for fight-or-flight reactions, but the effect is temporary and positive. The ability to respond to and reconcile stress to toggle between sympathetic and parasympathetic activation is what makes us resilient. But trauma and chronic stress can dysregulate the ANS and leave us functioning full time in the red zone. And getting stuck there can damage our mental and physical health"

Helpful illustration: self-care vs self-soothing

Self-critical much? Regularly taking a minute to distance from and get curious about an over-active thought pattern can help us rewire and have new choices about our thoughts in future. Come in to learn how to get started.

"...that small shift in perspective immediately made my morning lunch routine immensely easier. Rather than feeling frustrated and annoyed, I felt calm and present. Rather than mentally grumbling my way through the morning, I was able to appreciate my situation."

"Harmonizing your mind and body is powerful. You’re making stridesfiguratively and literallyfor your physical and mental health. And, if the research holds, you’re enjoying it more."

Love how Bill Hader reduces the stigma of anxiety by posting this video with the ChildMind Institute. "What helped me was learning that the anxiety doesn't really go away. You manage it. And instead of pushing away your anxiety and I always imagined my anxiety as this little monster that would kind of attack my face or pull my ears instead of pushing that thing away and trying to fight it, I would just go, "Hey, oh hey buddy." Bill Hader

"participants with higher self-compassion demonstrated greater well-being. Why? They were okay with their flaws, acknowledged that they struggled just like those around them (Everybody makes mistakes; you are not alone), and treated themselves with the same kindness they would extend to a friend (It’s okay; you did your best)."

Experience Imposter syndrome much? You might find the types of imposter syndrome described in this Time article to resonate. 'Experts feel the need to know every piece of information before they start a project and constantly look for new certifications or trainings to improve their skills. They won’t apply for a job if they don’t meet all the criteria in the posting, and they might be hesitant to ask a question in class or speak up in a meeting at work because they’re afraid of looking stupid if they don’t already know the answer."