Taking back control in the face of uncertainty
Presidential transitions can spark worry, anxiety, and unease when faced with unknowns about the next four years. With executive orders, potential mass deportations and restrictions on both women’s reproductive rights and gender affirming care, it can feel like the future is completely out of control and hopeless. Yet, there are ways we can take back control in our lives in the face of unease – by holding hope in the uncertainty.
What It Looks Like:
Being able to have hope in anxious times looks different for everyone. However, it always involves acknowledging both sides. In other words, both of the emotions have to be seen to be able to be processed. Letting anxiety or worries take up the majority of your space can lead to complications such as depressive feelings, panic, lack of sleep, and feeling stuck. On the other hand, letting the hope take up the majority of your mind pushes down the anxious feelings, causing them to fester and eventually come through in other areas of your life (i.e. in work, relationships, etc.).
How to Generate Hope in the Uncertainty:
Once we are able to acknowledge both the anxiety and hope, we can take back control in our daily lives in an uncontrollable situation, such as the presidential transition. Listed below are some steps to do this:
Define what hope for your community/our society means to you… what do you hope for during these uncertain times? Knowing how you define this hope will help drive you through these steps.
What brings you security? Is it family, friends, volunteering? Put energy into the things that help you feel secure– even better if it helps others feel secure as well!
How to put your energy into feeling more secure
Aid others in the community – if you may not be directly affected by some of the Trump executive orders, who is? Go towards them.
Aid in events that raise awareness
Volunteer at shelters such as SAFE Alliance
Donate if you have extra funds
Connect with the people who make you feel strong and safe!
Take back control in your own life amongst the uncertainty
Take breaks from social media and the news
Be mindful of your thoughts in the background and how they’re affecting anxiety
Fuel yourself with foods & activities that make you feel well.
You are not alone in this! Caring for yourself, your loved ones, and your community are ways to take back control in your own life during a transition while supporting others. If you have frequent, overwhelming anxiety, feelings of sadness, or issues in your daily life due to the presidential transition, we are here for you; please contact us if you’re interested in services to help you through this time.
