Managing Feelings of Being Left Behind: Expert Advice and Strategies
Many individuals experience anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal when they feel left behind as friends achieve career and personal milestones. Coping strategies include self-reflection, setting realistic goals, seeking support, practicing gratitude, and engaging in hobbies. Denial can offer temporary relief but may not address underlying issues.
The term FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) describes the emotional response to believing others are enjoying better opportunities, leading to feelings of lethargy, isolation, and a perceived lack of opportunities. During the series of Home EcoNanay on Radyo Pilipinas, Dr. Ana Lou, Senior Psychologist at Solanna Psychological Services, offered the FOCUS strategy to combat these feelings:
F-Focus: Concentrate on what you have and practice gratitude rather than dwelling on what you lack.
O-Opportunity: Overcome lingering fear and anxiety by opening your eyes to the opportunities around you.
C-Connection: Reconnect with friends and family who may offer support, ideas, or opportunities to overcome FOMO.
U-Understand: Recognize that everyone progresses at their own pace and that current roles are not permanent. Maintain a positive outlook for future growth.
S-Self-Care: Prioritize self-care to ensure readiness when new opportunities arise.
By applying these strategies, individuals can effectively deal with feelings of being left behind and embrace their unique life paths with confidence and resilience. This approach encourages gratitude, openness to opportunities, reconnecting with support networks, understanding personal progress, and prioritizing self-care, ultimately leading to a more positive outlook and a stronger sense of self.
Solanna Psychological Services and the Journey of Giving Back
In the heart of Solanna Psychological Services lies a deeper commitment, one that transcends the boundaries of business. Here, we believe in the power of kindness and compassion to transform lives and communities. With every consultation and therapy session, we dedicate a portion of our earnings to the Solanna Cares Foundation, a beacon of hope for those in need.
The story of Solanna Cares is one of empathy and action. Born from a desire to extend a helping hand beyond the confines of our office walls, the foundation is our way of giving back to the community that has supported us throughout our journey. Through initiatives like feeding programs and psychoeducational seminars, we aim to not only raise awareness about mental health but also provide tangible assistance to those facing hardships.
Imagine the joy of a child receiving a warm meal or the relief of a family finding support during difficult times. These are the moments that drive our efforts at Solanna Cares. We believe that by spreading kindness and compassion, we can create ripple effects of positivity that reach far and wide.
But our journey doesn’t end there. We invite you to join us in our mission of making a difference. Whether through volunteering your time or donating financially, your support can help us continue our vital work in the community. Together, let’s embrace the sunshine of hope and illuminate the path toward a brighter future for all.