Episode Description:
The weather, markets, coronavirus; these are all things that can crank up anxiety levels. Oak Ridge Teletherapy therapist Cynthie Christensen likes to think of anxiety as an emotion of the future. “Typically when we feel anxious, it’s because of those ‘what if’ thoughts. During this time we usually don’t think about the good stuff like a bountiful harvest,” she says. “That can really get you stirred up and create a lot of fear.” Christensen says the first step is to recognize you’re thinking about stuff that is too far forward that can’t be predicted. “Bring those thoughts back. What can you do today? What do you have control over right now?” In some cases, a farmer or rancher may need help controlling these thoughts. “There is a stigma associated with therapy and no one wants to be seen as crazy. But really it’s more about managing symptoms.” Cynthie offers more advice about handling stressful times in this TransFARMation episode.