We are living in scary times. Many young people, especially women, often struggle not to feel the weight of the world on their shoulders. I don’t mean to sound pessimistic, but when the President of the United States represents everything I stand against—misogyny, racism, xenophobia, and every other form of ignorance and bigotry—it’s okay to be upset.
Lately, I’ve been trying not to let the doomsday mentality get the best of me. Though I am angry, and at times scared, I’m no use to anyone if I can’t bring myself to get out of bed in the morning. Like everyone else, I have to cope.Â
To make some sense of it all, I’ve had conversations with friends, loved ones and my therapist. Each of these has made me feel less alone and allowed me to release some of my concerns. Additionally, I surveyed members of Her Campus at Pitt about how politics are affecting their mental health, and saw that my experiences are shared among them.
Out of eight respondents, 62.5 percent of our writers often feel burdened by current events, whether that be mentally, emotionally or physically. The other 37.5 percent sometimes feel this way. The #1 issue that concerns members is women’s rights, but many also mentioned climate change, LGBTQIA+ rights, threats to free speech, and human rights violations in Gaza as sources of stress.Â
Unfortunately, politics can be divisive. It’s not just political opinions that create tensions, but attitudes toward everything going on. While some people grow a pit in their stomach every time they check the news, others are able to compartmentalize. It can be difficult for people in the former category to fathom how someone could be unaffected by what’s going on, and sometimes a conversation needs to happen for two people to understand each other.Â
Half of the survey respondents reported that politics have put a strain on their personal relationships, and 37.5 percent had mixed answers. Whether it’s a minor disagreement over a nuanced issue or suppressed rage toward your MAGA relative, it’s a given that these interactions can become stressful. The key to staying calm is accepting what is within your control and what is not.
It’s easy to feel powerless to help people who are actively being oppressed. I’m not telling anyone what to feel; I’m only trying to reconcile pain and empathy with compassion towards the self. Most people I know, including other Her Campus writers, have been having frequent discussions about these issues. But we also know that we need to take breaks.
From exercise to eating cake, there are many ways to practice self-care. Some enjoy hobbies like going on walks, reading, watching television, or doing crafts. Others focus on ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle so they do not become overwhelmed, which is helped by going to bed earlier or putting the phone away.Â
The important thing to remember is that whatever you are feeling is valid. You can choose your level of engagement, and there is no reason to feel guilty for needing rest or avoiding the headlines some days. Above all, stay hopeful, and recognize that joy is resistance.