Everybody is familiar with that horrible feeling depicted in the Nine of Swords. Anxiety, worry, fear, insomnia, nightmares, negativity, stress, breaking point, overwhelmed, mental anguish, recovery, letting go of the past, releasing and negativity are the key words associated with it.
This is the kind of feeling that comes in the middle of the night. It feels like you’re the only person awake and you’re filled with an overwhelming sense of fear or dread. There may be something specific on your mind, or it may be an indefinable anxious feeling – either way, it’s got you lying awake, feeling terribly alone
There are 12.6 million women in Australia and each share experiences and life transitions that are unique to being female which are connected to their mental health and wellbeing. It also important to recognise the social and environmental factors that can contribute to additional burdens for women and girls leading to negative mental health and wellbeing including, discrimination, inequality and inequity, poverty, online, family, domestic and sexual violence and abuse, and homelessness.
Nine of Swords is largely regarded as a negative card to draw because of its connection with fear, anxiety, hopelessness, and despair. If you are having a true Nine of Swords moment where you feel overwhelmed by fear, it’s most important to remember that you are not alone, and that there is help available to you. It would be really beneficial for you to talk about what’s on your mind with someone you love and trust, or even a professional. Don’t be embarrassed to ask for help. We ALL need extra support sometimes, and that’s how we ride out the most tumultuous mental storms.
Professor Caroline Hunt is president of the Australian Clinical Psychology Association and has worked in the field of anxiety disorders for more than 20 years. She is an expert in youth mental health and holds senior roles at the University of Sydney, including in the School of Psychology and the Brain and Mind Centre.
Through her regulatory positions and Chairing of the APAC Board, she brings knowledge, skills and experience of governance of companies operating under the Corporations Act, including finance and risk management. She also brings a deep and wide knowledge of the profession of clinical psychology, particularly in the domains of regulation, registration and training.
Aware of how mental health is visibly unravelling among you people she is a strong advocate for providing high quality care and calls for better planning and resources to expand services, especially in rural and remote areas.
Are You Experiencing Anxiety?
If you’re experiencing actual anxiety, take it seriously. Go gently with yourself, be kind and compassionate to yourself, read up on helpful self-care techniques, do the things that you know will help ease your mind. Take your medication if that’s right for you. Get support if you can. Let folks know where you’re at and that you’re having a tough time. Don’t judge yourself harshly but acknowledge what is happening.
Wild Mother Calling 