WHEN THE WORLD IS A DARK AND DANGEROUS PLACE
Take Care of Yourselves
Hello, my dear Readers!
Each morning since January 20, I’ve woken with a sense of dread. I recognize when someone is being abusive, controlling, and cruel – traumatizing people – and Trump and his administration are abusive, controlling, and cruel. Trump especially with his unpredictability and arbitrary pronouncements, his need for domination, his lack of empathy. A part of me feels sorry for him (and his people) because I suspect underneath it all he is desperately unhappy, in pain and feeling powerless. But a much larger part of me knows from personal experience that it’s critical to put myself first.
The 50501 Movement has had much the same thought. I found a posting by them on Facebook that I want to share because it has thoughtfulness, kindness, compassion, as well as a pragmatic approach to taking care of mental and physical health when dealing with the political conditions we’re in right now. I’m including their post, in total, below. Please take care of yourselves so we can all be strong and fight to regain our democracy!
From the 50501 Movement
Mental Health Care During Political/Social Crises
Hey y'all! Amber here, and we at the 50501 movement want to make sure that everyone is taking care of their mental health and wellbeing in these unprecedented and uncertain times.
We are experiencing a political and social climate that we have not seen in our lifetime. Taking care of yourself IS an act of revolution. Here's some ways to accomplish that.
Manage Media Consumption
Limit exposure to news
Limit exposure to social media
Take breaks from tech
Have an electronics free dinner/day
Physical Self Care
Make sure you are getting adequate sleep! That is so important!!
Eating a well-balanced diet is a great way to reduce stress overall.
HYDRATE. You are an emotional cucumber. Please drink water.
Take walks, physical movement helps and exercise is good for you anyway. ;)
Meditation, Mindfulness, and deep breathing
Yoga!
Human Connection**
Talk to trusted family/friends
Join communities that share your values, either in person or remotely.
Therapy! There are many kinds of therapy, find what is available and helpful to you.
**Special mention, if possible, for you: get a pet, find a pet TO pet, volunteer at your local animal Shelter, or look at cute pet pics online
(Creo’s suggestion: I find cat purring especially soothing, and cats are known to use their purring as a healing mechanism)
Boundaries are Important
Limit debates and draining discussions, you do not have to respond to unkind comments.
Know when to disengage: learn de-escalation skills or simply end the interaction.
Set firm boundaries with peers about sensitive topics. If they care about you at all, they will respect your boundaries.
Find Joy, Meaning, and Purpose
Try some new hobbies! Check online for free or cheap ideas.
Read books! Immerse yourself in a different world for a while.
Journal, keep a diary. (From Creo: sometimes I write down the bad news and then burn it. What a release!)
Consume uplifting/hopeful media, watching a comedy can instantly boost your mood!
Focus on things to be grateful for. Focus on whatever it is that you can't live without.
Small treats or rewards when you are able.
Practice your faith, if applicable. Seeking divine guidance in your way, gives meaning to many.
Take Action!
Channel energy into activism! If you can't physically attend a protest, look for ways to get involved remotely!
Educate yourself and others. Now is the time to be open to learning new concepts. Being accurately informed is important.
Volunteer in your community! Find established organizations that share your values and donate time or engagement!
A suggestion for an addition
Identify your sources of joy and embrace them. Bond with others over them, share yours and learn theirs. It's easy to make your entire waking existence about resistance; it's important to find balance, to seek joy.
We have arrived at this moment in time because there are some people who are lacking empathy, but also because people are very misinformed.
Before you take things at face value, it is okay and appropriate to make sure it's fact before spending any more energy on it. If verifying it will help you, do it. There is a lot of shock and awe happening, meant to dull your empathy by making it seem normalized. It isn't normal and it's okay to be upset or scared, or even just mildly concerned by the recent state of this country.
Knowing is half the battle. It is okay to feel AFRAID right now. Give yourself permission to grieve, if that's what you're feeling. Betrayal, fear, uncertainty, confusion, give yourself permission to feel those things. What you are feeling is VALID. But there are ways to mitigate negativity and fear. Find what works for you.
If you're feeling alone, it's time to create your own village or join an existing village. Reach out. People care and you are loved!
For Immediate Help:
*National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call 988 or chat online 24/7 to connect with a trained counselor.
*NAMI HelpLine: Call 800-950-NAMI (6264) or text "HelpLine" to 62640 to speak with a specialist.
“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” - Audre Lorde
Very good, very powerful post! I do so wish you could have a cat!