The City is traumatised. We have been plunged into a predicament that bears no relation to anything in our experience. The current situation is far more serious than any financial crisis we have known and we don’t know how far-reaching the consequences, individually and collectively, will be.
The square mile is reverberating with shock and those who work here are experiencing a rise in panic, anxiety and fear as the crisis deepens. In my City practice clients report a marked increase in panic attacks, dizziness, breathlessness, palpitations and raised blood pressure. They speak of feeling destabilised, out of control and overwhelmed.
About "Coping in the City/Coping with Redundancy" short-term counselling package
A state of emergency
The uniqueness and unfamiliarity of the situation can mean that our tried and trusted ways of counterbalancing ourselves when we feel unsteady might not be available to us. Friends and loved ones to whom we usually turn are also feeling disoriented. Careers that provide much of our self-esteem and confidence may be under threat. Props that usually pick us up – a few drinks or recreational drugs perhaps – instead leave us depressed and angry. With our usual touchstones inaccessible or not working, we are less able to steady ourselves and create necessary internal security. Consequently we feel at sea - rudderless and unanchored.
In order to cope with perceived threat, our sympathetic nervous system becomes increasingly activated and our fight or flight response launched. At work, or whilst relaxing, we can feel overwhelmed and symptoms make their appearance:
The symptoms
A panic attack on the tube, feeling dizzy and breathless in the shopping mall; needing urgently to get out or run away; being disproportionately angry; unable to sleep or waking up in the night filled with anxiety; a black cloud descending when you ‘should’ be having fun at a social event. These symptoms are rising and I expect, over time, to see much more of them.
It is possible for some time to dismiss symptoms, but when we remain in an adrenalised and overwhelmed state, they won’t disappear. They will shout louder and demand attention.
About "Coping in the City/Coping with Redundancy" short-term counselling package
Keeping our heads
Identifying and harnessing our coping mechanisms and inner resources are crucial at this time. It is extra necessary now to take care not let support systems drop. Simply put, going to the gym and eating healthily are even more important than they normally are. Maintaining good physical health and emotional and psychological stability are key to weathering this storm. Acknowledging who is important in our lives and affirming those relationships are crucial. Good health and love may become more valued commodities – I hope so.
“Only the strong will survive” is a phrase that I keep hearing. Well, this is a perfect time to ask yourself what "strong" means to you. Does it mean that you brace yourself and become more rigid? That could mean that you will become less flexible in your views in a time when you may be required to think creatively. Do you create a veneer of bravado? This is a short- term and brittle device.
It's also worth considering how you might manage yourself in these challenging times – professionally, personally, physically, psychologically, emotionally, spiritually? The scenario we find ourselves in will take time – maybe years - to play out, right itself and improve. New methodologies and systems will be devised and instituted and we will be required to adapt to them.
Interesting times
Only part of the oft referred to Chinese proverb and curse is ‘May you live in interesting times’. Another part is ‘May you find what you are looking for’. Perhaps this crisis can be viewed as an opportunity too?
My response
As a direct response to the challenges and effects of the financial crisis, I have developed a specifically designed package of short-term counselling. Contact me.
email me amanda@psychotherapycity.co.uk or call me on 0777 557 0208.
Amanda Falkson. Psychotherapycity.
Humanistic Psychotherapist & Counsellor in Central London.
© Amanda Falkson 2005
coachingcity.co.uk - executive & life coaching in the City of London
