Getting Overwhelmed with Life and Moving Forward by Barbara Gillett Saunders, Grief Counsellor Thanatologist
Wow! Sometimes life seems to bring to the forefront grief, loss, illness and more. In the process we have a tendency to get swept up in the currents of frustration, confusion, helplessness and in being overwhelmed. What do you do? No matter what you do, life has a way of making other plans for you and for those in your life. There are those who will try to ‘fix it’, even though there is nothing that is fixable. There are those who will make someone else’s situation their own and create worry for themselves over something that really has nothing to do with them. There is also denial, which works for some people, for a while. Some people play the victim role very well and get pulled into a pit of dwelling on everything and everyone from the past to the present. A part of being human is to feel and experience all aspects of life. To some degree, we are affected mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually, whether we realize or acknowledge this or not. Life: what do you do when life becomes too much to handle -- panic, play the blame game, run away from your problems, concerns or take even more drastic measures? None of these options is a constructive or positive way of coping. Coping mechanisms or tools seem to be innate for some people, while others sink under pressure. Seeking help from organizations such as The Canadian Mental Health Association or finding a
counsellor to speak with does not mean an individual is weak or incapable of dealing with their ‘stuff’. Quite the contrary -- seeking help means you are overwhelmed for whatever reason and know it. Taking back your power and being in charge of your healing process is important. Taking ownership of what is yours to handle and letting the problems that belong to others be theirs is a good step. This includes not being in victim mode or doing the ‘poor me’ anymore. Perhaps, you are a survivor of trauma, wrongdoing done to you or something. Seek supports if needed, to reframe, to look at the situation in a manner that enables you to move forward in life without the heavy burden you have been carrying. For an analogy, it is difficult to walk around with a few backpacks full of rocks and at the same time still be a partner, mother, co-worker, friend, etc. When you are in control of you, and your life to the best you can be, you are different on the inside and out. You sparkle, walk with honour, hold your head high and inspire others. You are ready to handle whatever comes next with a newfound strength and wisdom.
Hometown St. Thomas Geoffrey Rae Managing Editor / Sales Geoff@villagerpublications.com • 519-495-7177 All articles written by Geoff Rae unless otherwise noted. Copy Editor – Peter Bloch-Hansen Publisher – Barb Botten barb@villagerpublications.com Graphic Artist – Cathy Wood Copyright @ 2015 Villager Publications. All rights reserved. This magazine or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the Publisher. Information presented has been compiled from sources believed to be accurate at the time of printing however the Publisher assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions.
Page 40 Hometown St. Thomas • December 2025
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