10 Ways to Cope with Current Times

As a socialist organizer and DSA - Democratic Socialists of America - member, I have chosen to dedicate my life to fighting for the working-class; that means fighting for anti-racist, anti-colonialist, feminist, democratic, working-class centered issues. However, a lot of what I do can become overwhelming and exhausting quickly. Sometimes just witnessing what is happening can be enough.

The chaotic state of the world has been affecting me emotionally. I know that I’m not the only one; with the death of Floyd, a pandemic, economic, and health crises, it is easy to get overwhelmed. However, you are not alone, and most importantly, you are not helpless. That is why we should take care of ourselves and each other.

Here are some coping mechanisms I learned with my therapist.

1. Disconnect from social media

You ARE allowed to disconnect even when tragedies are happening around you. It may feel like it’s hard; it may also feel wrong to do so. However, there is only so much we can take in a short period. We have become used to being connected 24/7. However, this isn’t good for your mental health. Allow yourself to take a break, knowing that you will come back ready to take action.

2. Do something that is purely for you.

For me, this would be writing or crocheting. The feeling of creating makes me feel better in a world that seems to be destroying itself. So find something, whether it’s arts and crafts, music, or virtual socializing, keeping your mind occupied on something positive will help you take a break from what is going on.

3. Get enough sleep

Sleeping is the body’s way of recharging and processing the events of the day. If you are feeling overwhelmed, chances are that a good night’s sleep can help you recuperate. If you are having trouble sleeping, try having some chamomile tea and reading before going to be. The tea is relaxing and the reading makes your eyes tired. If this doesn't work, try other methods like breathing exercises or counting backwards while in bed.

4. Make sure you’re drinking enough water and eating enough food.

I’ve found that I become extra sensitive when I neglect my physical health. If your goal is to find a way to make a change, you have to take care of your physical health. A lot of people see physical health and mental health as separate. However, I believe that they are very much intertwined with each other. If you are in good physical health, it is easier to deal with emotional exhaustion because it allows you to think with a clearer mind.

5. Know that there is plenty you can do, but only if you keep yourself healthy and sane.

It can be easy to feel discouraged and lose hope. Everything feels so out of our control, which can lead to feelings of failure, hopelessness, and defeat. Know that you DO have the power to do something. There are a lot of amazing organizers and organizations, working hard for a better world. You can join them. However, you can only fight if you take care of yourself in the first place. Taking care of your emotional well-being should be your priority because, without it, you can’t help the people that need you. Do not lose hope.

6. Talk to a friend about how you feel.

I don’t think I would be able to keep my sanity without my friends. They have helped me through the roughest times of my life. Reaching out to your friends can help you feel less alone. But don’t forget to check in on them as well. They also may be having a rough time. Even if you believe that you don’t have the emotional capacity to listen, listening to your friend’s struggle can create a sense of unity in the world. Talking also normalizes the idea of socially caused emotional exhaustion.

7. Take some time to stop and breathe.

Sometimes we can forget to breathe when we’re overwhelmed; occasionally, we don’t even notice until someone points it out. So take some time out of your day to breathe and exist; go for a walk in the park or meditate. You are allowed to exist. You are allowed to take up space without justifying it to anyone. Allow yourself to be.

8. Let yourself feel your emotions.

Emotions demand to be felt. They do not disappear just because you ignore them. Sooner or later, they come back, so you might as well feel them now. So cry if you need to. Scream if you need to. Rant if you need to. But don’t do any of these things because you feel helpless or because you feel like you didn’t do enough. Allow yourself to hurt because people are suffering and because you can sympathize. Don't blame yourself for the evils of the world.

9. Join a Community

Having a sense of community in these times is very important. For me, being part of a socialist organization has helped me maintain hope in a better world. The Democratic Socialists of America has become my home; somewhere I go to feel solidarity.

10. Once you’re ready, join the fight!

Once you have taken care of yourself, you can start helping others. If you have friends and families that are planning actions towards anti-racist organizing, join them. However, you don’t know where to go. The Democratic Socialists of America is the biggest socialist organization in the United States, with about 60,000 members nationally. We work hard to fight for issues like medicare for all, college for all, housing justice, racial justice, and many more other issues. If you want to learn more, go to dsausa.org.

Honestly, I wrote this because I was on the verge of a mental breakdown and needed a way to cope. I saw one of my closest friends tweets about how she felt. I saw all the pain people are currently feeling, and I realized that I am not alone. I ma glad to see so much sympathy for those who are suffering at the hands of a racist and capitalist system. On the other hand, I worry for the people I love.

I hope these tips are helpful. These are challenging times, but we need to keep ourselves and each other safe.

In Solidarity!

Jay