Troubled Times: How to Cope When You’re Not Coping

Nobody is perfect and nobody has the perfect life. Even if you seem outwardly content, trouble can bubble away under the surface and you should not feel ashamed or embarrassed if this the case. Below are a number of common issues that can affect individuals and families, alongside some advice on how to cope with them.

 

Trouble at home

 

One of the most common causes of a personal crisis is trouble at home. The family represents such an important part of our lives that when it seems to be going wrong in some way, no matter how small, this can be difficult to take.

 

A frequently cited cause of a family crisis is a spousal disagreement or breakdown. If this does occur, the important thing to remember is that all relationships encounter difficulties from time and time, and just because yours is going through a rough patch, does not mean that it is necessarily doomed. The path to reconciliation always begins with communication, so make time to talk over any issues you have as soon as possible, rather than letting them fester.

 

Other common family issues can emerge concerning the raising of children. If you are encountering difficulties like these then asking for help can sometimes prove helpful. Make sure you are working with your partner to solve any issues you have with your child, or if you are a single parent, there are family counselling sessions that might help you to make a breakthrough.

 

Money worries

 

Money worries can quickly spiral out of control and even individuals that may look financially secure from the outside, can acquire monetary issues. Money trouble is nothing to be ashamed of, but you do need to face up to it as soon as you can, because debt can rapidly build when left to its own devices.

 

Perhaps you are struggling to pay off a loan, or are in need of some quick cash to finance an important purchase. Although both of these situations may appear bleak initially, there is almost always a few options available. Firstly, your bank may be able to help you with your money problems. Not only do they offer loans for a wide range of circumstances, they are also equipped with teams of financial advisors that can help you come up with a realistic repayment plan.

 

If, on the other hand, you have a poor credit rating and are worried about how this will affect your financing plans, there is still hope. Read this guide for some tips on how a buy here pay here scheme could enable you to buy a new car for the family, even if you’ve been rejected for an auto loan in the past. There are similar financing options for other purchases, including home improvements or business supplies.

 

Career off track

 

You may have been working at a career for decades now, only to come to a realisation that this is not what you want to be doing with your life. At this point in time, it can feel like you’ve wasted years, but fortunately, it’s never too late to try something new.

 

If you do feel as though your career has not gone in the direction that you wanted it to, then there are a few steps you could take. Firstly, see if you have transferrable skills that would enable you to transition to an industry that motivates you. It is quite likely that the life experience you’ve gathered in your first career will prove useful, even if it differs markedly from your next role.

 

If you do not have the skillset required to move into your new job straight away, then there are educational courses available to you. These include full-time degrees, part-time offerings, evening classes, or modules where you study from home.

 

If you are going through a career crisis, don’t simply sit out the rest of your life doing a job that you find unfulfilling. People of all ages undergo career changes, so pursue a new dream if that’s what inspires you.

 

Time ticking away

 

Another factor that can cause people to suffer stress and anxiety is simply the passage of time. Many individuals wake up one morning, concerned that they have not achieved enough in their life so far. This can lead to something of an existential crisis, particularly as the aging process starts to become more noticeable.

 

As your body begins to slow down, many people have regrets regarding things that they have yet to do in their lives. However, just because the clock is ticking, doesn’t mean your time will be up soon. There have been plenty of stories of elderly individuals achieving their dreams against the odds. Age is just a number and shouldn’t be seen as a barrier to achieving the life you want.

 

Feeling bored and restless

 

Individuals that have a settled, stable family life can still undergo moments of crisis. In fact, it is this stability that can be the root of their problems. They may take a look at their life and wonder if this is all that they have left to see and do. Although broadly happy with their partner, family and work life, these individuals crave something more. This could simply be moving abroad to discover a new culture or something more drastic like separating from their spouse to experience new relationships.

 

A midlife transformation, however, does not need to be destructive. Talk to those closest to you about how you are feeling and the changes that you would like to see happen. You may find that your partner and family have been harbouring similar feelings all along, but you will only be able to cope with these emotions by letting them out into the world.

 

Mental health

 

Although the stigma is slowly abating, mental health issues can still be difficult to talk about. Mental health problems are nothing to be ashamed of, but if you are having trouble expressing how you feel, professional help from a doctor or counsellor is the best approach.

 

Rather than dealing with your issue alone, make sure you seek out the help you need.