Economic uncertainty is not easy to endure. Everywhere you turn, you hear dire warnings and prognostications. It’s easy to paralyze yourself with fear and worry, and fail to analyze the situation in order to keep on top of trends and to identify opportunities when they occur.

Booms and busts are funny things. Do remember when we were in the middle of the boom? Euphoria reigned. Everyone thought that things would last forever, and there would never be a downturn. Of course, that turned out to be amazingly wrong-headed.

Similarly, in the middle of a bust, no one seems to be able to envision an upturn and the negative psychological climate feeds on itself and negativity threatens to destabilize even healthy parts of the economy or studies. Of course, an upturn will inevitably occur. It can’t help but happen. However, no one envisions or anticipates it. Instead, “panic dread” starts to infiltrate the collective psyche.

What can you do when you start to feel the creeping negativity of “panic dread”?

The key is to reassure yourself that you’re on top of your game. After all, you’re taking classes and preparing yourself for the future. Remind yourself that you're taking care of yourself and your future by investing time and money in your education.

Here are a few things to keep in mind. They are excellent defenses against negativity and fear.

• Congratulate yourself on your decision to take classes, even though you feel a bit nervous. It is normal and natural to have ups and downs, especially when you're trying something new and bold.



• Work through it by developing a plan, and sticking to it.



• Reward yourself for milestones on your plan.



• Diversify — take additional courses if you can.



• Identify the triggers and learn what they tell you about yourself.



• Remind yourself that, despite the doom and gloom predictions, apocalypse has not happened yet.



• Select a course of study that makes sense given new economic opportunities.



• Let go of the things that you know won't work.



• Rid yourself of cognitive dissonance.



• Acknowledge that your cheese has been officially moved -- far, far away. Reread “Who Moved My Cheese” and make the decision that you will be the rat that survives. But, you’ll do it ethically, and you won’t undermine your fellow rats.



• Being an ostrich has its benefits. Go ahead. Bury your head in the sand. It’s better than having too much information in your mind – information that panics you and derails you.



• Get your family on your side. Make them your cheerleaders and your key support team. How can you do that? Share in the rewards. Let them know what they get out of your academic success.



• You've got a friend. Reach out to fellow students.



• Learning communities. Be proactive in establishing or augmenting existing online learning communities. Knowing others who are in the same situation will be a great help.

Finally, if you continue to have that creepy bad sad lonely feeling, take more time to go outside and get exercise, plenty of sleep, and watch your nutrition. A healthy body is key to a healthy mindset. Enjoy life. Share your joy and celebrate the little things. You’ll be glad you did.

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