The coronavirus pandemic has been a time of uncertainty felt by many worldwide.

You may feel uncertain about your health, the health of those you love, the economy, or your own personal finances.

You may feel hopeless or even scared.

The uncertainty being felt during these times has taken me back to the moment when I found out I was pregnant at only 18.

I just graduated high school and I was a week late on my period. I remember laughing about it to my friend while I was in the pool with a beer in my hand. What’s the big deal? Girls are late all the time, I certainly wasn’t pregnant. Or so I thought…

A week later, my period still did not come. So, I gathered up some change and bought a pregnancy test.

When the test read positive, my whole life stopped. The plans I had after graduating became fuzzy and my dreams of going to college were lost. I had no job. I didn’t have any source of income. It truly felt hopeless.

The uncertainty of not knowing what to do was incredibly stressful. I was getting pressure from different people offering conflicting solutions. It was just too much. So, I took a pause. I realized this is something I need to think through on my own.

When faced with uncertainty, many people’s reaction is to panic. Your safety, your dreams, or your plans have been disrupted and it’s hard to see an alternate route. If you’re not panicking you might follow the first advice you hear, which may not be the best advice for you.

Take a moment, an hour, or a day to let thoughts settle in your mind. Mediate or do some self care. If you’re still unsure, ask an expert.

Then sort out your possible solutions and think them through. After this, you can be confident with whatever you decide. I am so grateful I took the time to research my decision and talk to someone who could help me sort my uncertainty out.

I didn’t think it was possible for me to be a mother at such a young age and I didn’t know how I would achieve my dreams. But I did it! I graduated from college and I couldn’t imagine my life without my child in it. My hopeless situation actually turned into a complete life changing event, for the better!

Right now, during the coronavirus pandemic we are all facing times of uncertainty. But slowing down a bit and thinking about your situation issue by issue can lead you to figuring out the right solution. You’ll get through this!

If you are facing a situation like I was, the Free Womens Clinic helpline here to listen. You can call it here: 855-398-7734 or you can live chat with a trained responder here.