Dealing With Anxiety About The Roe v Wade Decision
The world has felt heavy lately. Just when you thought things may have been returning to the “new normal”, a basic human right was taken away from you. This decision may have directly affected you, your family, your friends, your co-workers, future generations, and people from all across the United States. Maybe you’re feeling sad. Maybe you’re frustrated or angry. You may even feel hopeless and exhausted. Whatever you’re feeling, here’s how to deal with your anxiety over the Roe v Wade decision.
Allow Yourself to Feel
A great first step is to acknowledge your feelings. Don’t try to dismiss any of the emotions that you’re feeling. All of your feelings are valid and completely normal, especially given the circumstances.
Anger
Sadness
Grief
Devastation
Shock
Fear
Allowing yourself to actually lean in and accept your feelings will help you process them instead of storing them inside of yourself. Starting a journal can help you get everything out in the pages instead of holding them in as well. You can also write down things that are triggering or what you did to try to help you cope when you were feeling a certain way as a tool to look back on later. Take time for yourself. Your anger and sadness won’t go away overnight. And that’s okay.
Set Boundaries
Setting boundaries is crucial during this time, especially when it comes to the news and social media. Sure, staying up to date on current events is great, but when it starts affecting your mental health or you end up mindlessly scrolling or “doomscrolling” for hours on end, it’s time to initiate a break from it all.
If you can’t cut ties completely, set timeframes to catch up on the news or social media each day. As soon as the dedicated amount of time is over, put your phone away. There are settings on your phone where you can set timers for certain apps to help you out with this.
Sometimes the news and social media can validate your feelings but also add fuel to the fire of the anger and sadness you already feel. If you notice that happening, acknowledge that you need to take a break and take some time to calm down.
Take Action
You don’t have to sit alone in your feelings. If you have the energy and mental capacity, take action. This can be a great way to channel your feelings into creating change. Here are a few of the different ways you can take action:
Register to vote and/or update your voter registration
Make a donation
Join a protest or rally
Volunteer
Write letters to your state representatives
Move Your Body
Take a break during the day to get your body moving. You don’t have to become a marathoner or hardcore gym rat, but implementing exercise for at least 30 minutes each day can naturally help your body reduce stress.
Get outside and go for a walk around your neighborhood. Get your friends together and go for a hike or a bike ride. Hit up a gym class that you’ve been wanting to try. Get your heart pumping to help reduce some of the stress and negative energy you’re feeling.
Reach Out for Help
This decision affected people all across the United States. The reversal of Roe v Wade may have affected you directly or you may be worrying about your loved ones or future generations. You’re not alone, and it’s okay to reach out for additional support if you need it. There are a lot of people that are feeling exactly how you are.
Lean on your friends and family for support. Also, check in on loved ones to make sure they’re doing okay. It can be a great way to open up a conversation for both of you to discuss how you’re feeling. If you’re able, reach out to a therapist. Take care of yourself. If you’re interested in setting up a consultation for anxiety therapy, reach out today to set up an appointment.
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