- January 28, 2023
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- 4 minutes read
Permacrisis is real – here’s how you can manage it. – health enews
The term won top spot in Colin’s Dictionary’s Word of the Year for 2022, and it pretty much sums up the kind of year it was for many of us. Permacrisis is defined as “an extended period of instability and insecurity, especially one resulting from a series of catastrophic events.” From the pandemic turned tripledemic and severe weather to economic woes and wars, we’ve certainly had our share of ongoing crises.
“It’s been a tough year – and even longer – for many psychologically,” says Teri Kaczmarek, a psychologist at Aurora Behavioral Health Center in Fond du Lac, Wis. “It’s not uncommon to feel depressed or anxious, considering the ongoing stress brought on by the traumatic events happening in our lives or even the ones we just hear about.”
Stressful situations can raise our blood pressure, adversely affect our mood and sleep, make our muscles tense up and much more. It’s our body’s innate way of reacting to danger with the fight or flight response. When stress and crisis are continually experienced over time, our bodies are in a more sustained or constant fight or flight response – a permacrisis, causing significant mental and physical health issues.
Even people who usually have a positive outlook or not directly experiencing something traumatic can be affected. Simply hearing about negative events happening to others or in other parts of the world can put us in a permacrisis.
“If you feel this is happening to you, be kind to yourself,” Kaczmarek says. “It’s OK to feel this way. While many crises and stressors are not under your control, there are several things you can do to help cope.”
Kaczmarek offers these tips:
Looking for a doctor or behavioral health specialist? Find one that’s right for you in Illinois or Wisconsin, or do a virtual visit from home.
Mary Arens, health enews contributor, is a senior content specialist at Advocate Aurora Health in Milwaukee. She has 20+ years of experience in communications plus a degree in microbiology. Outside of work, Mary makes healthy happen with hiking, yoga, gardening and walks with her dog, Chester.
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