This photo has been used for illustrative purpose only. TNS

By Judi Light Hopson

Sometimes people have a huge problem looming over their heads. It could be financial or health related. In any case, it’s terrifying to say the least.

You feel like you need to do something but can’t figure out what. When this is the case, you need to try and take baby steps towards the solution. Facing an enormous stressful situation in manageable steps is key to overcoming it.

First step is to organise yourself. Your worry may threaten to consume you willy-nilly, for example, you may find yourself pondering over this while you are driving. Not only is this dangerous, but it may never help you reach a workable solution.

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The following tips may help you in lowering your stress and realising major problems into shape:

— Pretend that you are thinking of solutions for someone other than you as this will help you be objective.

— In a notebook, or on your computer, make a note of everything. This documentation will help you organise yourself and make a plan.

— Think of the worst case scenario that may happen. To figure out the exact solution, it is important that you don’t downplay the issue you are facing.

Take this scenario into account: Suppose someone you know has been evicted from their house due to the loss of income and the inability to pay rent. If they ask to move in with you, what is the approach you can take?

Firstly, you could help them rent out a storage unit for their belongings. Then, you can fix up a room in your house so they can have their own space until they can land back on their feet.

A man had two of his family members fall prey to major illnesses which resulted in the relatives losing their jobs as well as health benefits. They were also about to get evicted. So this man got about searching for free clinics for the relatives so they could guide them about medications, etc. He also looked for affordable housing for his relatives and was able to help out.

Always remember to not get overwhelmed by a bleak situation otherwise you set yourself up for failure. If you look hard enough, you can always find people to help you.