The term “circuit breaker” is used in many areas of life - from electrical safety devices, to political and legal negotiations, to financial markets, and psychology.

A “circuit breaker” identifies the fault in a system

and acts like emergency brakes to interrupt or halt a loop, circuit or action

which is going into overdrive.

Be it an electrical overcurrent threatening to damage equipment and cause a fire, a software system that is failing or a financial market where stock prices are plummeting irrationally preventing (further) damage.

At stressful times in our lives, many people experience psychological “loops” or “circuits” or thought/behaviour patterns that are limiting, negative or unproductive. Many people describe it as “feeling stuck.” 

The first step is to become self aware that the mind might be experiencing a “loop” or “circuit” or “be stuck.”

The next step is to take steps to “break” the loop or circuit, to get “unstuck.”

Journey through the Storm - Circuit Breaker cards and book include accessible, easy-to-implement prompts backed by evidence-based research and drawn from the lived experience of people who have suffered grief, stress, anxiety and PTSD. These prompts aim to help people to “break” the loop or circuit, to get “unstuck.”

Everyone experiences and handles grief, anxiety and stress differently. Some of these prompts will work for some people and some won’t. My hope is that you will find something that works for you. 

Please note that sometimes when someone is in the grips of a highly anxious, emotional, stressful, grief ridden moment, it might not be possible to see outside of the moment. If you need immediate help call your local emergency services or mental health service or Lifeline 13 11 14. We always recommend that you seek support and guidance from a qualified healthcare professional who can provide you with tailored support and treatment options.