Every so often, life has a funny way of shaking things up. You will be struck by inner turmoil – and for whatever reason, you will feel unable to let your anxieties show.

It could be too soon to talk about a health scare. A miscarriage could be too personal. A loved one’s suicide attempt mightn’t be your story to tell.

While you are in pieces on the inside, this type of event can force you to maintain a cool, calm and collected persona on the outside. You still need to work, parent and attend your commitments. You still need to function like nothing has happened.

Here are our tips for keeping it together when all you want to do is fall apart.

Keep it simple

As the shock of an unexpected event sinks in, your usual list of tasks can suddenly feel overwhelming. You can be unable to settle into a job, and end the day in the same place you started.

If you allow your focus to wander from half-finished task to half-finished task, you will inevitably find yourself dwelling on that sick feeling in your stomach.

Rather than thinking about the big picture of your week, narrow your focus to smaller goals. Write that article. Get that meeting out of the way. Survive that dinner party. In short, approach every hurdle one step at a time.

This will increase your productivity and help you to move your focus away from your anguish toward the task at hand.

Resist over-indulging

Big news is difficult to digest.

Sometimes, staying in bed for another hour is more inviting than trying to face the day. Sometimes, it can be tempting to have an extra drink to dull the pain.

Although small indulgences can provide simple relief in the present moment, keep in mind that over-indulging will only make your life harder the next day. When you are tired or feeling worse for wear, your ability to focus suffers, as does your all round sense of well-being.

Do what you need to do in order to keep going – but don’t make life harder for yourself by over-indulging.

Let it out

Keeping it together when you want to fall apart can make you feel suffocated, silenced and utterly disempowered. After locking up  your emotions at work or in front of friends, it is important to give yourself cathartic relief.

Find a moment to let it out – to think the thoughts and feel the emotions that you have been burying all day. Have a cry, sing along to Celine at the top of your lungs, write in a journal or pound the punching bag until you lose feeling in your arms.

Admitting to grief or sadness isn’t a sign of weakness. You have a right to feel angry, hurt or scared.

It might not be pretty, but sometimes breaking down can be the best way to move on. Falling apart also gives you the chance to put the pieces back into place.

Talk.

As isolated as you may feel, remember that there is always someone to turn to when you need a helping hand. If you are unable to share you situation with a trusted family member, co-worker or friend, reach out for other options.

Give Lifeline a call, contact beyondblue, drop in to your local women’s centre or connect with others in a chatroom. No matter what path your life is taking, there is always someone who has walked the road before you.

Sharing your story will allow to seek advice from others, lift a weight off your chest and remember that you aren’t alone.

After all, you have us!

The Clarity Road Team