We need to give ourselves time to adjust to changing circumstances. We need to give those around us time to adjust too.

There are so many unknowns; feeling powerless causes most of us to develop an intense desire take control of the things we can.

When our brains are registering fear, shock, distress or grief, this affects our bodies. Our brain activates our safety responses - usually to become very energized and 'fight' against the 'enemy', to become very active and run away, or to become very still, freezing our movements and 'playing dead' until the danger has passed. Sometimes we react by trying to make the oppressor feel better, fawning to them. None of us have conscious control over these responses, and all of us react a little differently. This is our innate survival instinct; we focus only on what is important to us.

You may find that you are reacting very differently to people around you, but cannot make yourself do anything else. It is important to be kind to yourself; notice your feelings and allow them to be there. Remind yourself that it's OK to feel the way you do at this time, and that your focus will change as time passes. It is easy to concentrate on the things we fear, rather than finding the things we can use to bring hope into our life.