The Uncertainty Of Not Knowing About The Fall

Many of us are feeling the anxiety of not knowing what is coming in the fall for our children. In the spring, educators and students across the world were forced to suddenly shift to virtual classrooms. No one was prepared for this and parents were forced to turn their homes into classrooms and workplace stations.

Some districts have decided to have classroom instruction in combination with virtual learning and others strictly virtual. Each district seems to be making their decision independently.

I have been speaking to many parents who have expressed a great deal of concern as to whether to send their children for classroom instruction or chose to continue with virtual learning. Not an easy decision.

How will all this affect us as parents who maintain full time employment? How long will this last? Are we in this for the full school year? We have many legitimate questions and concerns.

Managing our anxiety during a time of uncertainty is a challenge. For those of us who are planners, not knowing what is in the foreseeable future can be terrifying. When we have a plan, it eases our anxiety and it provides a sense of order. The order is what relieves us of our anxiety and eliminates any sense of chaos. When we plan our schedules it provides a sense of structure and normalcy. Not knowing what to expect can fuel our anxiety.

Structure and plans are great tools for keeping us safe. Knowing what to expect eliminates the fear of the unknown and brings us security. However, in our current state of affairs, we are faced with quite the opposite. We are in a new normal and everything from work, school, family and social gatherings is unpredictable and in a constant state of flux.

This is a good opportunity for those of us who like structure to practice going with the flow. It is not easy because it requires living with our anxiety. When we plan, our anxiety decreases. When there is no plan, our anxiety increases. Be aware of your anxiety and force yourself to sit with the anxiety rather than act on it. Accepting the fact that there are situations that we cannot control or force can relieve you of the anxiety. Maintain whatever routine you are able to control such as exercising regularly, meditating, breathing exercises, etc.

When we try to control, we are working on achieving a desired outcome. Practice “letting go” and accept the fact that all will unfold the way it is suppose to and not the way you want it to.

At The Hellenic Therapy Center, 567 Park Avenue, Scotch Plains, New Jersey, we are seeing clients virtually via Zoom FaceTime or Phone. Visit us at www.hellenictherapy.com or visit us on Facebook. Call 908-322-0112 for further information.