Getting Through the Tough Times 

Jul 6, 2026

Just when life is going well and everything seems to be falling into place, it can suddenly throw you a curveball. In an instant, you’re faced with something tough. I’ve talked before about the ups and downs of life and how I do my best to work through them, but recently, I went through something that was a little scary and honestly a bit traumatic. 

I’ve always seen myself as someone who handles difficult situations well, like water off a duck’s back, I let things roll off and keep moving forward. But this experience taught me something important; even if things look okay on the surface, that doesn’t always mean they are underneath. No matter how strong you are, there are times when things need to be faced and worked through. 

The truth is, dealing with things isn’t always easy. Sometimes it feels much simpler to push it aside, lock it away, and tell yourself you’ll deal with it later. I’m very good at that, if something feels too overwhelming, away it goes, tucked out of sight, hopefully never to return. And yet, I’m often the first person to tell my friends and family that this isn’t healthy… even though I don’t always take my own advice. 

Because the reality is, what we push away doesn’t just disappear. It finds its way back, sometimes days later, sometimes years later, when we least expect it. 

One thing I learned through this experience is that there is no right or wrong way to process something difficult. It’s your experience, not anyone else’s. No one else walked through it the way you did or saw it through your eyes. People may offer advice, and that can be helpful, but just because something worked for someone else doesn’t mean it will work for you, and that’s okay. Every situation is different, and even what helps you once may not help you the next time. 

What does make a difference is having someone you trust. Someone you feel safe opening up to. That could be a friend, a coworker, a family member, a counsellor, or even a support line. Talking to someone you trust gives you a safe space to let everything out without fear of judgment, to share your thoughts, your feelings, and your fears. 

I’ll be honest, talking doesn’t always come easy to me. Sometimes I have to force myself into it, and I go in feeling resistant. But every single time, I come out feeling lighter. Like a weight has been lifted. Like I can finally breathe again. 

That said, it’s important to remember that not everyone in your life is the right person for every conversation. Even if someone is a good friend or close family member, it doesn’t always mean they’re the person you need in that moment, and that’s okay too. 

If talking isn’t your thing, journaling can be incredibly helpful. Writing things down gives you the freedom to be completely honest without worrying about being judged. It’s a space where you can unload everything, and sometimes even revisit it later to process things more deeply. It can be surprisingly therapeutic and freeing. 

Another thing that really helps me is walking. Just getting out and moving, walking as far or as fast as I need, helps clear my mind. I can actually feel the anxiety ease with each step. For others, it might be running or weightlifting. Movement of any kind can help release tension, boost your mood, and give your mind a bit of space. Even small amounts of movement can make a difference. 

But if you find that you’re losing sleep, having nightmares, or feeling constantly on edge or overwhelmed, and nothing you’re trying is helping, it might be time to reach out for additional support. And there is absolutely no shame in that. Asking for help can be one of the hardest steps, but it’s also one of the bravest. It can be the beginning of feeling like yourself again. And sometimes, when others see you take that step, it gives them the courage to do the same. 

The truth is, scary and traumatic things can happen in life, no matter how much we prepare or hope they won’t. They can catch us off guard, but facing them, no matter how difficult, is worth it. Your future self will thank you for taking the time to process and work through those feelings instead of burying them. 

And in the end, you will come out stronger. Because the hardest, scariest thing you’ve faced so far is just that, so far. If you’ve made it through and you’re still standing, then you’ve already proven to yourself that you’re capable of getting through more than you think. 

Remember to be kind to yourself, practice self-care, and reach out for help if you need it. 

• Contact CMHA South Cariboo for mental health support at 250-395-4883. The office is open Monday to Friday from 9 am – 4 pm. 

• Call the Emergency Crisis Line 24 hours a day at 1-888-353-2273. 

Written by: Kristin Buxton