TAMPA, Fla. — Nov. 3 is right around the corner, and this year Dr. Sheriece Sadberry, a local psychologist, says more people that have sought her help feel anxious.
“A lot of it stems from the uncertainty and not feeling like you’re in control of what’s gonna happen,” she said.
Sadberry says with the amount of information out there, people feel helpless.
“They feel overwhelmed and then they feel helpless like these issues are so huge and I can’t do anything," she said.
Which is why she says to focus on what you can control in your life, even if it feels small.
“Sometimes we have to accept our limitations and be OK with our limitations,” she said.
She suggests people should start by limiting how much time they spend on social media.
“Limit to like an hour that week, the information is not changing that rapidly that you need to check it every single day,” Sadberry said.
Next, find a hobby that makes you happy, play games to pass the time, or go on a drive to clear your mind.
She says meditation is also a good way to help redirect your focus. Plus, make sure you are eating and sleeping.
“Those are the two basic things that as a human being we need to do,” she said. “And those are the two things we stop doing when we get stressed or overwhelmed.”
Also, set boundaries with people who share different viewpoints but challenge yourself to have conversations about commonality.
Sadberry believes that’s what will help people bridge the divide.
Also, she says people shouldn’t be afraid to talk to someone.
“If you notice that there are any changes in your behavior or you’re just starting to think and feel overwhelmed and things just feel different for you — that’s when I would say go seek help,” she said.
Taking a proactive approach to mental health to set things straight before you hit crisis mode.
