03/16/2026
The Steps Are the Same to Keep From Drowning: Whether It's Water or Work
When discussing risks of drowning, the Hawaii State Department of Health (“HSDOH”), states that “[w]hen somebody feels that they aren’t in control of the situation, they start to flail as hard as they can. By panicking, they make themselves submerge deeper and deeper. As a result, they get exhausted quickly and can’t stay afloat long enough to wait for help.”
This is true not only of a physical drowning danger but also of a metaphorical drowning, whether it is work related, social or emotional. The first thing is not to panic. Panicking does not help the situation and it uses your energy and resources that need to be put to navigating your current situation long enough to get help.
The HSDOH suggests that you tread water by keeping your body upright and your head above water and that you just move your enough to keep yourself afloat. So don’t focus on your annual income, projects due next month or going out with everyone who asks. Focus on doing just enough to keep going for a bit. Set small goals, daily ones or even hourly. And focus on those and not big pictures. Remember: how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. So keep moving, even if it is slower that you would like. You are just keeping yourself alive until help gets there. Look to what is really important in each situation and don’t try to do it all.
Speaking of help – where is it coming from? Well, it depends on your situation. Look at where your specific danger is coming from. Are you overwhelmed with work? Look to find someone who can take some of the work off your plate. Do you need to let some of your clients go and focus on the less troublesome, less taxing ones for a time? If so, do it. It is more important that you do good work for a few rather than bad work for many. Is your problem organizational? Look for someone to help you streamline your processes so you aren’t spinning your wheels with each step you undertake. Are you overwhelmed with social obligations? You don’t have to accept every invitation. It is okay to spend some time on the couch watching a Hallmark movie. And never be afraid to ask for help. We all need it at one time or another and most people are gratified that you trust them enough to ask.
And when the immediate danger has passed, look at what got you there and put some safety nets in place. And don’t be afraid to get back in the water. It can be really refreshing.
**Kelly St Clair is a FL Sup Ct Certified Family Mediator, Parenting Coordinator and Guardian ad litem. Reach out directly at [email protected] to discuss rates.
