Do you find yourself overwhelmed by fear, anxiety, and uncertainty during these fearful times?

People are losing their jobs. Many individuals are struggling with loneliness and fear of the unknown. People are worried about their health. Everyone’s future is uncertain.

Due to these recent news events, many people are struggling with depression, anxiety, fear, and other mental health related issues.

As a result, here are seven tips on how to manage your mental health during these unpredictable times:

1. Challenge Your Depressing Thoughts: One of the ways to manage your mental health is to challenge your negative thinking with positive statements and realistic thinking. When encountering thoughts that make you fearful or depressed, challenge those thoughts by asking yourself questions that will maintain objectivity and common sense. Your fearful thoughts are usually not based on reality.

2. Take A Break: Some people can get anxious when something occurs. When this happens, a person should take a deep breath and try to find something to do to get their mind off of the problem. A person could take a walk, listen to some music, read the newspaper or do an activity that will give them a fresh perspective on things. Doing something will get your mind off of the problem and give you confidence to do other things.

3. Take It One Day At A Time: Instead of worrying about how you will get through the rest of the week, try to focus on today. Each day can provide us with different opportunities to learn new things and that includes learning how to deal with your problems. You never know when the answers you are looking for will come to your doorstep.

4. Focus on the facts of your situation and not what you think: When people are depressed, they rely on their fearful and depressing thoughts. Your fearful thoughts are exaggerated and are not based on reality. When you are depressed, focus on the facts of your current situation and not on what you think. Do not assume anything regarding your current situation.

5. Read Positive Affirmations: Another technique that is very helpful is to have a small notebook of positive statements that makes you feel good. Whenever you come across an affirmation that makes you feel good, write it down in a small notebook that you can carry around with you in your pocket. Whenever you feel depressed, open up your small notebook and read those statements.

6. No situation is hopeless: There are many people and organizations that are willing to help you, but you must be willing to take advantage of this help. Regardless of your situation, take advantage of the assistance that is around you. Try to find a local mental  health support group in your area. Every problem has a solution; you just have to find it.

7. Ask For Help: Take advantage of the help that is available around you. If possible, talk to a professional who can help you manage your fears and anxieties. They will be able to provide you with additional advice and insights on how to deal with your current problem. By talking to a professional, a person will be helping themselves in the long run because they will become better able to deal with their problems in the future.

Stan Popovich is a managing fear author and a Los Angeles mental health newspaper columnist with more than 20 years of personal experience in dealing with fear, anxiety, and depression. For more information and to get some free mental health advice, please visit Stan’s website at www.managingfear.com.