Times Of Uncertainty Aurora Employee Assistance Program

Times Of Uncertainty Objectives: Explore the uncertainty - mental worry connection Identify the negative effects of unproductive worry Learn several effective coping skills to manage ongoing uncertainty and worry

Uncertainty arises from one’s sense of not being in control of a situation uncertain economy & stock market job insecurity war & terrorism personal issues Uncertainty leaves a void that mental worry fills. The Uncertainty - Worry Connection

Worry to torment oneself with disturbing thoughts, to fret, thoughts about situations not likely to take place to live in the future, fearing the worse Worry is our self-talk, what we say to ourselves about unsettling situations, about uncertainty. Worry, A Definition

The “What if’s” of life: “What if I lose my job?” “What if the economy doesn’t turn around?” “What if I can’t keep up with the changes at work?” “What if there’s another terrorist attack?” Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrows, it only saps today of its strength. -Unknown- Examples Of Worry

Worry As Chronic Stressor - The Physiology Of Worry When you worry, your brain believes you are in a dangerous situation & you go into the fight or flight response Stress hormones are created An unpleasant physiological response occurs Feelings of anxiety &/or anger are triggered Concentration & memory are impaired, decision making & problem solving skills diminish Worry is like a rocking chair. It will give you something to do, but it won’t get you anywhere. -Unknown-

The Thought-Feeling-Action Connection

The Worry Control Grid action no action ControlNo Control problem solving mastery spinning your wheels delegating, letting gogiving up

Breaking The Cycle Of Worry Coping With Worry: Three Rules of Worry Do Something Different Deep Breathing Increase Your Physical Activity Level Writing Your Worries

Three Rules Of Worry 1.Never worry alone - decrease isolation, reach out to others 2.Get the facts -obtain as much factual information as possible 3.Make a plan -problem solve, create an action plan -See Stopping the Cycle of Worry handout-

Do Something Different Catch yourself when you are worrying Thought Stop Take slow deep breaths Focus your attention positively -See Stopping the Cycle of Worry handout-

More Coping Skills The 5-Second Breath Increase Your Physical Activity Level -find safe & healthy activities or exercise Writing Your Worries -taking control of worry -See Stopping the Cycle of Worry handout-

Try to use the uncertainties & worries of your life as opportunities to choose Choose to practice good self-care by using positive coping skills Life is a journey, with each bump in the road offering the opportunity to learn & grow Everything can be taken from us but one thing - the last of the human freedoms - to choose one’s attitude in any given circumstance. -Victor Frankl - Making Choices - Coping Day To Day

Ongoing Assistance