Why uncertainty on a global and personal level affects our mental health

You can’t pour from an empty cup. Yet, in Hong Kong and around the world, many of us try to; reaching bedtime drained and disheartened. 

Whether there’s uncertainty in your relationships, at work or surrounding your finances, not having security has a direct impact on your mental health. You might be feeling stressed, anxious, fearful, depressed or isolated. 

If you’re dealing with issues in close quarters - at a demanding job, or at home with your partner - there is often no respite. We’re always plugged in, available by email or text, attention pulled in several directions at all times. 

Alongside the personal - there’s the global. As each year goes by, it feels like our world’s problems mount. War. Widening political divides. More environmental problems. We worry for ourselves, for our kids, and the future. The impact of global challenges and events are felt on an individual level. We’re exposed to them daily - on the news, discussed at work or at home, reflected in our energy bills, our shopping receipts, and the mental health of those around us. 

The combination of personal and societal pressures create a heavy burden. In my practice, my clients are feeling disillusioned and overwhelmed by the state of the world, left feeling helpless and uncertain about the future. The cost of this global connectivity? Their mental health. 

Certainty: why do we crave it?

One of the greatest fears we, as human beings, face is fear of the unknown. Most people are uncomfortable with uncertainty. This is natural. We’ll go to great lengths to create a sense of certainty, stability and security in our day-to-day world. Be that through work, family, friends, socialising, daily routines – even starting our day with our favourite brand of coffee, curled up on our favourite chair! Having structure, nourishing routines and a framework of support is necessary for most of us, for our mental and physical wellbeing.

So, what happens when your life’s certainties become uncertain?

When unexpected life events happen – those that really shake our reality like the loss of a loved one, a job, an accident or life shock – we are faced with a fundamental truth. Life is uncertain. Life is unpredictable. There is suffering and loss. Some things happen that are outside of our control. Often, this is when people turn to spiritual traditions, teachers or healers to make sense of what has happened, or to come to some sense of peace with it. When answers or meaning can no longer be found in our usual day-to-day paradigm.

World politics heighten uncertainty on a global level. Directly and personally, we’re all impacted in a myriad of ways. 

Shifting personal and political climates reveal the background of uncertainty that has existed all along. It’s an overwhelming truth for most of us to experience, to live. Recognising the impact of these conditions can hopefully allow us to be gentle with ourselves as we navigate uncertainty.

Fear: the importance of dealing with uncertainty

Recent developments in neuroscience indicate that – in times of uncertainty – your brain enters a hypervigilant state. This initiates a cascade of neuroendocrine, neuroenergetic and emotional stress responses.

The cycle continues when uncertainty is prolonged and cannot be resolved. Your brain requires extra energy; your body experiences continued stress. When acute stress responses become chronic, this can lead to further conditions: depression, cognitive dysfunction, high blood pressure and more. This is why it’s important to find ways to cope with uncertainty and manage our fear.

How to cope with uncertainty

Amid all the uncertainties, there are ways to take back some control. Being kind to your mind, focusing on what you can do and what you can change, on a day to day basis. And most importantly, reminding yourself of your community. Who are the people that you can lean on for support when the world seems bleak?

After all, community and connection are at the core of self-care and mental wellbeing, as proven by eight decades of Harvard research. Social connections, quality relationships, a strong support network: these are vital for better emotional and mental health.

Mental health support at IMI

If you would like some support from a trained counsellor, psychologist or psychotherapist, please contact us. 

We also offer free Monday mindfulness classes at IMI. You can find more recommended resources to support your mental health.