If you feel afraid or anxious because of the current turmoil the country is facing, if you have a hard time managing the uncertainty, well…,  this article is for you! 
Let’s face it, we have been living in an unstable country for the past decades, and the Thawra made this instability worse: we live after all in a country where public services, which are supposed to ensure a minimum of protection and stability, are at best inefficient and at worst non existent. 
The denial mechanisms that we previously used to kind of make do with unacceptable situations have been blown away. Today we are forced to face the situation straight on. We have no visibility nor control on how things will unfold.  And that can create anxiety and fear.

Furthermore, some of you might have been laid off, or experienced salary cuts, or simply can’t get their money out of the bank. So it is kind of normal to panic, or feel “negative” emotions, and show anxiety and depression symptoms (fatigue, constricted throat, hopelessness, worry, anxiety, irritability).

The good news is that you most probably will be amazed at how strong you are when in need. 

We did some research and talked with mental health professionals, and we compiled a list of 10 things that can help to better manage the unknown. Of course, all these tools won’t replace a proper economic rescue plan, but at least these are things that we have control over. 

Let us know which ones work best for you! 

1- Learn how to stomach uncertainty

Sure, the current situation is stressful. But the truth is, no one ever knows what tomorrow will be like. Especially these days, and especially in Lebanon. You might hear or read a lot of rumors, theories, predictions, but keep in mind that no one knows what’s gonna happen. Uncertainty is part of life, and accepting this is already the first step to live better with it. Sure, it might be easier or less stressful if we had full control over our environment, but let’s face it, that never happens. So why not just face uncertainty straight on and try to live peacefully with it? 

2-Find security and comfort..in things you love

We are often afraid of the unknown. As we can’t really know what’s gonna happen tomorrow, one thing that might help is to find comfort in the present moment. For example, there is no better time to strengthen your relationships with the people you love, the ones with whom you can be vulnerable, with whom you can talk openly  about your fears. 

And try to keep doing the things you love (it can be sports, painting, cooking.. ) this is when you need them most! 

At L&F for example, we gather on Sundays evenings, we cook, sing (or try to sing!) and generally have a good time! 

3- Invest your time in a good cause

In difficult times such as the ones we are living, solidarity is key!  Many studies point out that helping others is actually beneficial for your own mental health. So do not hesitate to dive in, even a small gesture can make a difference! 

4-Don’t underestimate yourself 

Generally speaking, we often tend to underestimate ourselves : we actually can handle way more than what we think. You want proof? Try to remember a past situation that was stressful for you, a situation when you felt afraid, hopeless, etc. . You managed it,  didn’t you? A lot of us are not aware of our inner strength in times of need.

A psychiatrist we interviewed also told us that people who suffer from chronic anxiety actually deal pretty well with the current situation, because they are used to dealing with their insecurities and anxieties. We build up resilience!

5- Focus on what you can control

We know, it’s easier said than done. But trying to change things that are outside of your control is just a waste of time and energy.

Ask yourself what you can do to better the situation. What are your options? Even the small ones, the ones that don’t seem to matter much: it can be as simple as managing your diet, doing sports, talking with your friends.. These little things actually contribute significantly to your well-being. 

6- Be kind with yourself

There will always be people who seem to handle the situation better than you do, or worse, who seem to thrive in these moments of crisis. But don’t feel bad about your feelings, you’re allowed to them, you’re allowed to feel afraid, stressed, anxious, etc. And no ones manages their emotions in the same way, so be kind towards yourself. 

And don’t push back on your “negative emotions”, the best way to deal with them is actually to accept them! 

7- Try new things

Learning new things will make you go out of your comfort zone, and will help you deal better with crisis. And it will distract you! 

Try stuff that interests you: it can be reading about economics to understand what’s happening, or learning to cook, anything really. And when you take risks and manage them, you actually increase your self-confidence and you feel empowered. 

8- Fix reasonable objectives 

You know the feeling of accomplishment that you have when you cross a thing on your to-do-list? Well, this feeling is invaluable in giving you a feeling of control over things when all goes to hell. 

On our to do? Do the laundry, organize a cheap week-end with friends, send boring emails. 

All can be done in a very short amount of time. 🙂 

9- Come up with a new routine

The thawra most probably changed your routine. And this can be destabilizing. Try to create a new routine which includes stuff you need to do for and because of the thawra (protesting, going to the bank) with stuff you used to do before and that made you feel good (sports, hanging out with friends,music, etc. ) 

10-Ask for help

Sometimes, the best person to talk to about your feelings of anxiety, fear, hopelessness, etc, is a professional! Here is a list of people and organizations you can ask for help, even with a limited budget. 

Sources :
Apa.org
Telegraph.com
The conversation.com
Hala Kerbage, psychiatrist at USJ 
Olivia Shabb, psychologist