Outrage Fatigue

The original version of this article, “Election Anxiety," was written in late 2015 and updated in March 2016. Now, in the fall of 2019, many of the same issues are still with us, and there are even more added concerns.  It is more important than ever that we take care of ourselves in this challenging, world-changing time.

Anxiety often develops when there is the sense of an uncertain outcome. In past elections, where there might have been significant political differences, there was still a similar, and reassuring consistency in how the political system was viewed and used. Now, almost three years into this unprecedented administration, many previously accepted norms seem to have been tossed out the window. No one has any idea what is going to happen. It is as if someone has taken a deck of 52 cards with at least two Jokers and tossed it into the air; where the cards will land is anyone's guess.

Outrage Fatigue

As one political norm after another is discarded daily, with the lives of asylum seekers and Kurds left shattered, and our most fundamental institutions are failing us, it is tempting to bury our heads in the sand and wait for the next lifetime. In a world generally filled with stress, this constant uncertainty and disruption continue to take an incalculable toll on everyone. 

Decision fatigue is a constant on our TV screens now, but so is outrage fatigue. How many letters, emails, phone calls, meetings, or just bitch sessions can one process and still function in their regular lives? 

The key is a measured approach. Doing nothing is the least acceptable path, since we have a strong desire to be engaged, somehow, but how much is enough?

The answer lies in you, your comfort level, a realistic appraisal of the extra time you can give up to contribute energy, and your commitment.

The most basic must-do is to register to vote, and then to vote. Sounds like a no-brainer, but if you're wondering how 2016 happened, take a look at the voter participation rates. (Are you listening, 18-30 year olds?)

From there, it's a reasonable expectation that you can contribute to political campaigns and stay abreast of what is happening- from responsible sources-- so that you can credibly have discussions and make good decisions about what to do.

Watching endless videos and reports that come to you randomly online is exhausting. Reading articles and newspapers can be less overwhelming, as you can skim, be more selective, and waste less time reviewing and gathering useful information. Try to read material from a variety of news outlets, to keep the bigger picture, and be better informed about different perspectives.

Find a safe outlet for venting. Avoid engaging in flame wars online. You may just be arguing with a bot. A friend, an online support group, a trip to the batting cages, whatever helps you release the pent-up outrage so that you don't carry it in your body is key. Action, validation, discharge are keys to staying healthy, mentally, and physically.

Take positive steps to make the world and your world a better place. Alone, we have limited power, but we do have the ability to change the narrative, to contribute positive energy, to create change, one small moment at a time. Take advantage of that; make it count. 

Depression

Some degree of depression from all the divisiveness and stress is inevitable. So much of what people care about is being destroyed, and others are cheering and laughing about it. It can feel like having gone through the looking-glass and feeling lost and powerless.

Exercise is essential. Get up and move. A stroll after dinner can make a big difference in one's mindset and mood. Leave the phone in your pocket or at home; it is time to just be in the present, taking in the outside world. Smile at a stranger, pick up a piece of trash, be kind to yourself, and release some endorphins to lift your mood and change your perspective.

Again, limit your exposure to the constant barrage of bad, shocking, or just unbelievable news. Small doses are the best course.

Make more efforts to spend time with people that care about you and you about them. Being seen, valued, and loved is what makes life worth living. Put in in your schedule if you think you're too busy. You're not.

And again, take some action, no matter how small, but each of us has to contribute something, a small donation, giving something to a homeless person, etc.

Children and Teenagers

We have an unprecedented increase in youth suicide. Children and young people are sponges. They unconsciously absorb the stresses in our society, families, and institutions, whatever is around them. We must protect them. At some level, they still need to be aware of and understand what is happening. But it is the parent's job to check in with them, ask how events are impacting them. Don't just expect them brush it off as if it has no impact. They are being affected.

Lead by example. What are you doing to cope and respond? Let them know how you are taking care of yourself. This time is a teaching, life-changing moment. Use it to their benefit and help them learn some survival skills.

If a child feels strongly, help them get engaged. Our youth are leading the way on climate change and gun control. There are some fantastic role models out there showing how not to be a victim, who are standing up appropriately to power and demanding change.  These are the opportunities for life lessons that will shape them and the world to come.

Families and Friends

Relationships are changing. As our society becomes more polarized, people are picking sides, with the strong conviction that their side is right, and the other is wrong. While this is sad, being more concerned about creating change and protecting yourself and others is more important than getting everyone to like you. I predict that it will get worse before it gets better. We are moving into unimaginable change personally, as well as in climate and politics, etc. Families and families of choice are critical support systems. Make sure that yours is supportive, or find one that will be.

The downside is the loss of relationships, which might be inevitable in this conflict-ridden environment. Perhaps we will learn that these were not healthy relationships in the first place, and people were holding on to them for the wrong reasons. There is an opportunity to be freer and in healthier relationships with people who are more aligned with who they are.

In Conclusion

The imagined consequences of today's increased anxiety are real, but hopefully, healing and growth will still be a positive result of this extraordinary period.

The upside is when truths are told, and pain is exposed, even if it's ugly, healing can happen. Until we face our truths and suffering directly, we cannot begin to examine the broader truths and heal the pain of our society.