A new president has just taken office, and if you were feeling uncomfortable, unsafe, and uncertain back in November, those feelings have likely come to the surface again. While time will tell more precisely what this administration will do to impact human rights, there will be political backlash.
Take a deep breath.
It’s understandable to feel scared and uncertain. But, you’re not powerless, and you don’t need to give in to anxious thoughts or the “what ifs” that might be causing you to worry right now.
If you feel the latest headlines and directives are taking aim at you or people you care about, trying to cope with political backlash against anyone’s rights can feel overwhelming; nearly impossible. You don’t have to do it on your own. Let’s cover a few strategies you can use to prioritize your well-being so you can keep moving forward.
Educate Yourself
Knowledge is power. You might not like the things you’re seeing, but knowing the facts and being able to share them is important. It’s crucial to get informed about what the government actually can and can’t do. Pay attention to what headlines and posts are actually true, vs those that are suspected to be true, but not coming from reliable sources. There’s a difference, and a lot of confusion and chaos can be disorienting and confusing.
The more alarming the announcements, the more they can provide you with the fuel necessary to fight back. Educating yourself is the first step in being able to share accurate information with others and eventually get your voice back. Keep in mind, it’s equally important to pace yourself with the headlines. Staying informed is important, and so is stepping away and giving yourself a break.
Start at a Local Level
It can be tempting to isolate yourself and withdraw from the world out of fear of what’s to come. But if you’re struggling with anxiety or other mental health challenges, that will only make mental health issues worse. If you want your voice to be heard, use the knowledge you’ve gained through your research and awareness to current events to work with your local community, and government if possible. Your local legislature might not be able to overturn federal laws. But you can let them know how you feel and they can take that information to higher levels of power.
If you are being targeted or worried for those who are, it’s crucial to build a community around you. Host rallies and get-togethers of people who want to support each other and make a positive change, even while facing political backlash. Work with organizations big and small who are willing to help with your cause. Starting from the ground up is a great way to get more people involved and to evoke change in the future.
Be Mindful of the Moment
Focusing on the future is important. But it can also trigger your anxiety, especially when you think about the uncertainty of it all. While you shouldn’t ignore what’s happening around you or what might happen in the future, you also shouldn’t let it dictate your life.
Practice mindfulness every day. It’s a grounding tool that will keep you focused on the present. Not only can mindfulness help to reduce stress and anxiety, but it will improve your overall clarity, allow you to problem-solve more effectively, and keep you from assuming the worst instead of educating yourself on the facts.
It doesn’t have to be a time consuming practice. It can be as simple as stopping throughout the day to take 5 mindful breaths, or bringing your attention to the sights and sounds around you. Name them, pay attention to them, and let your breathing slow. Or pay attention to each part of your body and assess how it feels, if you need a stretch, some movement, or a rest.
Practice Self-Care
Self-care is always important, especially when you’re struggling to cope with fear, uncertainty, and any kind of backlash. The fear of having any rights stripped can be overwhelming, to say the least. So, focus on the things you can control every day, including taking care of your mind and body from the inside out.
It looks different for everyone. Consider what you need to do each day to reduce stress and feel as good as you can. That might include spending time outside, writing in a journal, or exercising. It’s also important to share your feelings. Lean on your support system, or find like-minded people who might also be struggling to cope. Working with each other can make a big difference in how you feel.
If you’re still struggling to cope with the political backlash against your rights or those of a loved one, don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional. Therapy can’t fix what’s happening in the government, but it can help you manage your emotions in healthy, safe, and effective ways so you can do your part to continue to fight for everyone’s rights.
