{"id":291,"date":"2025-05-13T11:47:34","date_gmt":"2025-05-13T10:47:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/thedropindialogues\/?p=291"},"modified":"2025-05-22T14:04:23","modified_gmt":"2025-05-22T13:04:23","slug":"living-with-uncertainty","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/thedropindialogues\/2025\/05\/13\/living-with-uncertainty\/","title":{"rendered":"Living with Uncertainty-The Waiting Game"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Nobody likes to wait.  Especially when an outcome is uncertain.  Unfortunately, it is a part of life that there will be decisions, processes and outcomes outside of our control.  Very often, these will not be immediate, and we must wait before being presented with a set of options.  It is completely normal to feel uneasy, uncomfortable or unsettled when dealing with uncertainty.  Student Wellbeing and Accessible Learning Drop-in are seeing students who are concerned about the outcome of exams.  We have had students asking if they can receive results earlier because they are unsure how they performed.  Whether it is waiting to hear back about a job, medical investigation or appointment, uncertainty is a part of life.  Realistically, we deal with uncertainty daily as there is so little within our control.  We don\u2019t know if the weather will be agreeable for plans that have been made, or whether the bus will be on time.  We don\u2019t know what will happen with the interest rates, inflation or the cost of fuel.  Leaving the house involves uncertainty.  It is important to recognise that people already have skills and strategies to cope with these daily uncertainties.  Sometimes, however, uncertainties can have a bigger impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Uncertainty means that mental and emotional processing cannot begin to reach acceptance.\u00a0 It means plans cannot be made as we are unsure what the options will be.\u00a0 This can have an impact on levels of stress, physically and mentally.\u00a0 Students often talk about getting stuck in the \u2018What ifs\u2019.\u00a0 Catastrophising is another common reaction.\u00a0 As the outcome is uncertain, it is difficult for the brain to find evidence that contradicts the worst-case scenario running through your mind.\u00a0 This can lead to rumination which can impact daily life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is important at this stage to recognise that dealing with uncertainty is difficult and a stress response is normal.\u00a0 Exercising self-compassion is helpful to reduce shame and judgement which could further complicate your response.\u00a0 Students often tell us that it is not just the future that they are worried about, but the things they \u2018should\u2019 have done to improve their outcome.\u00a0 The regret itself can be debilitating.\u00a0 It is in the past though, and no longer within their control.\u00a0 Worrying about past behaviour only burdens the body and mind, reducing the chances of being at your best when it comes to dealing with the awaited outcome.\u00a0 It is therefore unhelpful and decreases the chances of success.\u00a0 We need to be gentle with ourselves and identify what is in our control with regards to the outcome, as well as how we maintain our health while we wait. We can also trust in ourselves to be able to handle whatever the outcome is. Life presents regular challenges, and it is unlikely that you have never overcome one. Reflect on times when you have succeeded and have confidence that you will cope with whatever comes your way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The diagram above offers questions to ask yourself when struggling to deal with uncertainty.  It boils down to 2 things- do what you can that is in your control; and then let go of the unhelpful worry of what isn\u2019t.  Easier said than done.  Staying in the present is a skill which takes practice.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n