How To Cope When You’re Spiraling Out of Control

At one time or another, we all have faced an emotional downward spiral. Triggered by life events that create panic, overwhelm, and frustration. Leading to depression if not coped with properly.

I am facing a challenge in my career right now that makes me feel like I am spiraling out of control. My employer is withholding my paycheck, even though it violates Federal and State laws. The insecurities within me are creeping up. What if I can’t provide for my children?

This is not an easy feeling to dwell on. I fear the outcome.

Not too long ago, I faced the struggle of being a single mom. It was the biggest anguish of my life. I was a stay-at-home mother and didn’t have a career. It took a long time to get my feet on the ground. What if that happens again?

It’s different than it was before. Now, I have a supportive husband that is willing to sustain us, for which, I am grateful.

It doesn’t alleviate the anxiety that I feel inside. I told my former self that I would never be dependent on someone again. This situation contradicts my every belief and goes against my character. This is not how it was supposed to be.

I recognize that I am being very stubborn and should accept the help that’s being offered. We are a team and in this together. It’s just hard to give up on something I firmly believed in.

After evaluating this situation further, I realized that I’m in a downward spiral. My mind is catastrophizing that the worst is going to happen. This negative whirlwind is affecting my motivation and debilitating me. This awareness is what awoke me from my state of mind.

Diana, you know better than this!

My self-talk was screaming at me. Consciously, I knew the same situation could never happen twice. Once you live through a struggle, you learn. That’s why life lessons are so valuable.

So I snapped myself out of it. It was time to wake up from the illusion and give credit to my own self-development. I am stronger than I ever was. This obstacle is not going to hold me down.

It’s time to move forward and find my place in the world. Everything is going to be ok!

These are the steps that I took to remove myself from the toxic spiral.

Accept your emotions.

You have emotions that paint a picture. Take the time to acknowledge what you’re feeling. The situation is temporary and it will pass quickly.

Accept support from others.

It’s ok to ask for help. You don’t have to do this by yourself. Your support system is there for a reason, don’t isolate yourself.

Trust in yourself.

It may seem difficult to trust in yourself. This is not the first time that adversity has struck your life. You faced it before and surpassed it. You will be able to do it again!

Find peace by taking a break from it all.

Try to not focus on the problem. Do something that makes you smile. When you allow yourself space from the situation, you will gain clarity to solve the problem.

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This post was previously published on Medium.

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