There are circumstances in the world today that are extremely depressing, seeming to be beyond our control yet greatly impacting our lives, creating a feeling of helplessness, and offering few clear paths to navigate all of the very real dangers.
I’m writing as an American, and in a few short months the country I love has been set back decades if not more. We have been transformed and disfigured. We are scared and confused.
We may never get our place back in the world, and I can’t help you with that.
But perhaps I can help you cope emotionally and mentally. Because no matter what it stems from, depression combines what is happening in the world with how your brain interprets it. And you have a choice as to how you think and how you act.
For me, I’m focusing on what I can control. What can you control?
Focus on your health. Eat as well as you can, move as often as you can, keep doctor’s appointments at all humanly possible. Meditate. Make art — draw, color, knit, sew.
Faithfully follow your medication schedule and make your doctors appointments.
If health care costs are soaring and services are being cut, reach out to your family doctor, your church, your family, your hospital liaison or patient advocate, your bank, any public health services — ask everyone you know for ideas and for help covering costs or finding affordable care.
Love with all your heart.
Be kind.
Stay in touch with those you love. The more often the better for you and them. And for all of us.
Build community. Love rather than withdraw.
Protect the most vulnerable.
Continue to give to the causes you believe in, continue your volunteer work and community involvement.
Give money or your time to organizations in your community that help.
Reach out to immigrants, queer people, and any in your community that are not “mainstream”. Which at this point is all of us. Even white males who are poor or in the education field or… There are people in your town or neighborhood or school who need direction and protection and solidarity.
Participate in working to save democracy in any way that you are physically, mentally and emotionally able to.
Demonstrate and protest. There were just huge nationwide demonstrations to reclaim the power of the people. There will be more.
Write letters and make phone calls.
Have hard, but civil and caring, conversations.
Lead by example. Model love, hope, determination and action.
My point here is that you are powerful! Nurture your power with healthy choices and community and love. Depression can not stand up to concerted active empowerment. And neither can any evil.
And be careful out there!