The Cost of Living

The idea of the Cost of Living is prominent in the media currently and for many people, it is at a crisis level. I heard a journalist recently say that the idea of a Cost of Living Crisis is explained inadequately in the short snappy phrase which may partly, be the consequence of journalistic word length limits!  We have had Cost of Living pressures for as long as I can remember but I don’t ever recall it being deemed a crisis.

This cost of living crisis is having a devastating impact for some people, especially for those who are less well off and already for one reason or another struggling.  The primary reason given for this particular crisis is not enough money.  Not enough money to live on.  We have the combined factors of being post-pandemic, there serious military conflict in Ukraine in our peripheral vision, rising prices and high inflation. We hear stories of parents missing meals so they can feed their children and increasing numbers dependent on food banks.  It’s shocking.

But there are other costs to living.  People can burn out through stress or some other toxic challenges in their personal circumstances.  Homelessness, childhood or other trauma, money problems, poor quality relationships or work-related pressure.  Just the very business of living can wear us out. Most if not all of our material belongings may at times need maintenance, they wear out.  Why wouldn’t we regularly haul our minds in for a service?

In some instances, a remedy is easy to identify.  We might be advised or feel it could help, to move homes, change jobs or even, end a relationship.  But making those decisions can feel monumental and challenging at the best of times.  But if you are struggling emotionally, it can be even harder.  Let’s face it we might also be bound to damaging circumstance for many reasons.  Moving, changing or challenging difficulties that we have invested a lot in, is not an easy or instant fix.

Here is where I am going with this: big changes might not be possible but small ones are.  Try doing things just for yourself or for the simple pleasure they might bring.  Even a few sessions with a therapist might be a tonic for your emotional wellbeing.  There’s a post on the site about resilience or resilient people, which gives some interesting insights into self-care.

If you think that talking things through with a therapist might be useful, you can contact us here.  We will be honest and open with you and think things through to help you find a solution.