Amen MLB. It's a steep uphill war. I'm retired and tired. I sure hope there are a lot of people with your vision and energy to fight these long battles! I'm with you and doing what I can. I do have faith that the truth will all come out and justice and goodness will prevail.
11
So much stress will be relieved when this administration is led away in handcuffs for their blatant in-your-face corruption.
13
My experience too.
1
Therapist offer strategies do they? I've a simple one. And it doesn't cost much if anything at all. Turn it off. Turn it all off. All the "bait and click" media. All the pontifications, obfuscations and generally black smoke that exudes from every electronic media, and commercial, orifice these days. Turn it all off. Then go outside and take a walk in the sun. And this includes.......
John~
American Net'Zen
John~
American Net'Zen
7
The short term answer is avoid the news. The long term plan, not for the public but for the individual is emigration. No point remaining here. Our national blessing has ended. We are no longer a light unto the nations.
9
It's all about moderation. Certainly the current administration can be criticized, but no one is being herded into freight cars and led into ovens. News outlets have not been shut down or replaced with InfoWars. No one is asking you to hand over your property to the state, nor are they presenting you with a tire filled with gasoline to wear around your neck. There is still food at the grocery. So let's not blow things out of proportion. People that do so are their own punishment. Calm down and count your blessings. Criticize constructively not destructively. If you pepper the truth you speak with hateful jabs it only serves to entrench the opposition and increase the polarization. Remember how nice and boring it was when we weren't so polarized?
1
I've found that the best anecdote for TRAD (Trump Related Anxiety Disorder) is to get out there and protest. Being with like-minded souls who are similarly repulsed by everything this man and his corrupt administration represent makes one feel better, even f there is no immediate course direction by the Tweeter-In-Chief. And, we have seen that targeted protests or acts of civic duty, like showing up at your local congressperson's town hall meeting, can have a very positive influence on outcomes. Do not despair -- we can make this terrible situation a little better today and a lot better tomorrow.
14
Many of these comments seem to think the Trump voters themselves are terrifying. Perhaps some are--but a cursory look at history shows that ordinary people are easily led into the grip of terrying ideologies. When the fever breaks, they return to sanity. We always think of Nazi Germany but there are many other examples of mass psychology/cult-of-personality fevers--the Cultural Revolution, Indonesia under Suharto, etc. Demogogues riddle the historical record for a reason. They understand mass psychology. Even Plato was afraid of their sway. Pinochet was very popular with Chileans for a long time. You wouldn't be afraid of Chileans now--or of Chinese people who lived through the cultural revolution, or the Javenese who approve of Suharto, or the Peruvians who approved of Fujimori, etc.
Duterte is reasonably popular in the Philippines and he's worse than Trump. Somehow Erdogan was re-elected with a majority.
It doesn't make sense to think of the people who are susceptible to demagoguery as permanently morally bankrupt deplorables. If you look at any authoritarian leader, you will find that he (or she) is very popular for a while. Often their base is similar to the Trump base--people who feel economically insecure, have anxiety about their perception of social upheaval, etc. The demagogue exploits their fear, gullibility, etc.
If we make this all about Trump's insanity and 'those people' we may miss the fault lines in our own society that made this possible.
Duterte is reasonably popular in the Philippines and he's worse than Trump. Somehow Erdogan was re-elected with a majority.
It doesn't make sense to think of the people who are susceptible to demagoguery as permanently morally bankrupt deplorables. If you look at any authoritarian leader, you will find that he (or she) is very popular for a while. Often their base is similar to the Trump base--people who feel economically insecure, have anxiety about their perception of social upheaval, etc. The demagogue exploits their fear, gullibility, etc.
If we make this all about Trump's insanity and 'those people' we may miss the fault lines in our own society that made this possible.
11
I have no interest in talking to Trump supporters as a form of therapy. They have brought deep suffering into my life by voting for a person I have no respect for. A person who I see as a threat to my life and all life on this planet. Trump is a horrible mistake. A liar and conspiracy hoax fanatic.Nothing good can come from that man. I am blessed to live in a place were there are few Republicans.
26
Nothing will help the deep level of loss and continued anxiety I feel over what is happening to my country, except when those who seek to destroy it are removed from office.
This election is like no other in my 55-years, nor I will wager, American history. This is not just about partisan conflicts and policy disagreements. This is about full on traitors having stolen an election by colluding with a foreign enemy, traitors who seek not to lead but to destroy our way of life.
Every day I watch the damage they can inflict on this and future generations begin to unfold. With each backward motion Executive Order, with each appointment of yet another corrupt insider to departments like the EPA, HHS, the Justice Department, Treasury I feel more and more fearful that we will as a nation survive this assault.
So forgive me, a person who was trained in the field of psychotherapy, for facing the reality of things and not sticking my head in the sand. This anxiety, this fear is what will motivate me and thousands of others to take back our government.
This election is like no other in my 55-years, nor I will wager, American history. This is not just about partisan conflicts and policy disagreements. This is about full on traitors having stolen an election by colluding with a foreign enemy, traitors who seek not to lead but to destroy our way of life.
Every day I watch the damage they can inflict on this and future generations begin to unfold. With each backward motion Executive Order, with each appointment of yet another corrupt insider to departments like the EPA, HHS, the Justice Department, Treasury I feel more and more fearful that we will as a nation survive this assault.
So forgive me, a person who was trained in the field of psychotherapy, for facing the reality of things and not sticking my head in the sand. This anxiety, this fear is what will motivate me and thousands of others to take back our government.
32
I started grinding my teeth and clenching my jaw on election night. My physical therapist and I refer to my resulting neck pain as "Trump Neck".
12
I've tried reaching across the aisle and found a lot of defensiveness and Hillary hate. When I pressed why she said, "because she didn't divorce Bill for her own political ambitions" - wow. Who knows what's on others hearts. A man said because I hate åbortion. There was no policy discussion, it seemed just like a LOT of judgement and minding other people's business. I gave up. I have cut back on news and social media, but I am still stressed because I think there is an unstable man in the White House.
12
IMO, the media, including the NYT, is adding to people's stress with sensationalized and biased so called "reporting". It's impossible to find an information outlet that reports both sides of issues with FACTS that allow the readers, watchers or listeners to draw a conclusion based on balanced reports. Of course, this won't sell, I guess, which is just another indicator of where American society is heading. Personally, I'd pay a significant premium to get this type of information rather than the waste of trying to come to a fair conclusion from media sources that can't be trusted not to spin the information to fit the individual company's political bias, the owner's bias, or just the need to make things sensational to get good ratings. NO, oops, to get sales. So not only is the information not trustworthy, but it provides nearly instant reports in gory detail of school killings, violence, and worse. Seems to me it's likely the proliferation of school violence, acts against law enforcement, violent rallies, and many of the horrors of the time is because unstable? people are copying these acts. When I was a child in the 60's, an entire family was tortured, sexually assaulted and killed by a teen neighbor. It wasn't in the local, county, or big city news. It wasn't on TV news. In fact, it wasn't even rumor in the local schools and churches. Neither my parents nor my friends’ parents said anything about it in earshot of us children. No copycats. I found out when I was 20.
1
As an East Indian with autism who proudly voted for Trump and still supports him -- though the AHCA debacle was admittedly disappointing -- I truly cannot for the life of me begin to understand what on Earth you people find so troubling about a man of a different ideological bend winning the presidency. I've had many problems in my life, but seeing my political opponents rise to power has surely never been one of them.
And yes, yes, yes, I know, he and his supporters are all racist, bigoted, Islamophobic, sexist and blah, blah, blah bogeymen who hate everyone, including those with disabilities and/or handicaps. And this, of course, is why it's so immensely odd that I find the majority of my fellow Trump supporters to be kindhearted, hard-working people with whom I'm always able to share smiles and laughs -- whereas I tend to find die-hard Clinton supporters to be rather rude, intolerant and sometimes even maniacal. I wonder why that is ...
And yes, yes, yes, I know, he and his supporters are all racist, bigoted, Islamophobic, sexist and blah, blah, blah bogeymen who hate everyone, including those with disabilities and/or handicaps. And this, of course, is why it's so immensely odd that I find the majority of my fellow Trump supporters to be kindhearted, hard-working people with whom I'm always able to share smiles and laughs -- whereas I tend to find die-hard Clinton supporters to be rather rude, intolerant and sometimes even maniacal. I wonder why that is ...
1
I haven't found any solace from listening to Donnie's supporters. If they got fooled by him, I don't respect them or their reasons. If they knew what they were doing, I write them off as racists. If they said they had not been involved before, but are now . . . then I will listen to what they are doing to change the situation. In a democracy, even our indirect electoral college kind, citizens have to be informed and involved or else someone else will take their interests away from them. I have always been involved, so as a result now, every organization CONSTANTLY asks for more and more money. Those requests add to my stress. There is only one solution . . . turn your anger and stress into action and do all you can to defeat Donnie's agenda and supporters. The Republicans have had a very disciplined and hard-nosed approach to limiting Democrats' involvement at the state level through discriminatory voter ID laws and redistricting. The fight starts at the state level and that's where resistance needs to focus.
6
Do these anxious patients realize that America is a democracy? We follow the rules of our Constitution. Please be aware what is happening in Venezuela.......I wonder if that population has the ability to indulge in stress therapy......
3
We are following in the footsteps of Venezuela and we really aren't a democracy. Corporations and gerrymandering rule. It must be comforting to be oblivious.
6
At any time in history has it been stress free for those who stand up to tyranny? What choice do we have but to experience the stress and stay in the fight? I think what we feel is perfectly normal. Like all good soldiers, we need to eat right, stay fit and stay focused. Nothing worth doing is easy.
10
How can one reach out to the other side if people who voted for Trump were willing to cross the line and look the other way when, even if they were not in favor of it, blatant racism and bigotry were not only supported, but used to get bigots and racists into their tent. People who didn't support Naziism, but accepted it as part of the Hitler regime, used the same excuse. No, kumbaya won't work.
10
So we are supposed to try and understand the people who voted for a man who has 1) retracted regulations keeping our air, land and water free of pollution, 2) restricted women's reproductive rights, 3) restricted Muslim individuals from coming to this country, 4) rounded up undocumented individuals with no consideration for their circumstances, 5) accused the former president of illegal wiretapping, 6) cut programs that feed elderly and hungry children and 6) actively colluded with a foreign government to our detriment?
I have no desire to engage these people in conversation because they have shown that they are complicit with evil. I am willing to write off Trump supporters because they are deplorable! Accepting the truth about "those people" keeps my stress down because I am clear on who they really are, not who they pretend to be.
I have no desire to engage these people in conversation because they have shown that they are complicit with evil. I am willing to write off Trump supporters because they are deplorable! Accepting the truth about "those people" keeps my stress down because I am clear on who they really are, not who they pretend to be.
15
Actually, I find talking to Trump supporters to be disturbing, and am more comfortable not going there. And, I have gotten a lot more comfortable with reading all of the outstanding journalism I have read. I am more relieved to think that I am not alone in seeing that there is a problem. I am less surprised every day when there is something "new" coming out. I do wish for a solution, and I can live with that. But talking to people who seem to be so full of hatred for their fellow human beings... no comfort there.
11
I have decided to limit the amount of political news I allow into my consciousness. Instead I start my days with a guided meditation and journaling. I read positive spiritual/personal growth books. I have taken refuge in Netflix and Amazon and have discovered an app called Yoga TV which has many videos offering soft meditative music, natural sounds and calming landscapes as background for my day. I have also been watching a lot of You Tube Hay House videos of a variety of spiritual teachers speaking, doing positive affirmations and guided visualizations. Now that the rain has stopped and the weather is getting warmer I enjoy sitting out in my back yard reading and burning incense or walking around my neighborhood.
In short I am taking a media fast.
Finally, as someone who has a die hard right winger in my extended family I can tell you that those who supported Trump are just not open to alternative narrations of the current political atmosphere today. I simply don't spend my time trying to talk reason to them as they are beyond reason.
In short I am taking a media fast.
Finally, as someone who has a die hard right winger in my extended family I can tell you that those who supported Trump are just not open to alternative narrations of the current political atmosphere today. I simply don't spend my time trying to talk reason to them as they are beyond reason.
4
As anxiety-ridden as we all are, we need to understand the real issue. Trump is just a pawn of a crazier, nastier hedge fund manager, climate change denier - Robert Mercer. Please read, "Trump's Money Man" by Jane Mayer in the March 27th issue of the New Yorker. The most disturbing piece I have read in a long time....
7
Very thoughtful comments here. My husband and I have joined an Indivisible group. We each call our congressman, two senators and Paul Ryan pretty much every day. A short call addressing one or two issues. This makes us feel we are making our voices heard. After that....walking in nature, volunteering with my Therapy Dog, yoga, trying to be kind; that's how we're surviving.
11
For climate change worriers: National Resources Defense Council is a wonderful organization, but it doesn't provide much for volunteers to do beyond giving them money. Which is, I admit, an action. But people worried about staying in the Paris Treaty, about cuts to the EPA and to scientific research can also march in the Earth Day March for Science on April 22nd, and join groups like Citizens Climate Lobby and Interfaith Power & LIght whose grassroots organizations are very effective and give you a way to take actions that protect us all.
5
I'll just stick with bourbon.
17
I honestly blame DJT for the 30 pounds I have packed on since last August, when I began to become more and more anxious. Have been a stress eater all my life but this is ridiculous. I have recently recommitted myself to taking care of my health--I will not let that man destroy my hard-won healthy weight and mobility. This article doesn't address the despair of finding oneself living in a country that thought this was OK--who **are** these people?!
24
Good grief -why don't you go somewhere where there is unimaginable stress--e.g. Venezuela or Mosul -maybe you won't pack on the pounds there-Americans are such overindulged narcissists-
There's an Italian curse a friend shared with me that has been very therapeutic for me: I printed a picture of He-who-shall-remain-nameless, spat on it, rolled it up and put it in a used water bottle in my freezer while aiming every last feeling of anger and yes, hate, I have for him and everything he stands for, at his now spit stained visage in a bottle. Every time I feel overwhelmed with anger for what he is doing to our once proud nation, I open the freezer and give him a shake while letting him know what I think of him. It's cheaper than a therapist and a wonderful outlet to release my rage. In addition to that, I also sign petitions, donate money to politicians in upcoming elections, Planned Parenthood, PBS and animal charities. It's all I can do for now.
21
A tactic of mine is to read biographies of our respected presidents.
12
Maybe a new version of the DSM manual will include "Post Traumatic Trump Disorder".
22
I have no desire to discuss politics with Trump supporters - I only want to hear an apology from them - loud and clear! As for managing stress and the current governing fiasco I find it helps to read the NYT and the Washington Post and avoid television news. Meditation on forgiveness helps though I am not in a forgiving state of mind yet - maybe when Trump leaves the WH in a straight jacket!
20
We just spent an evening with the other set of grandparents. They voted for Trump and we voted for Hillary. My daughter warned me and thus the entire evening was spent talking about grandchildren and medical issues. Trump is the elephant in the room, but we have been family for 20 years, and will be long after Trump is gone. None of us wants to risk our relationships by discussing politics. After dinner we hugged and I went home where I am helping to plan the next Anti Trump Protest March.
21
This is a dysfunctional approach to relationships that are that important. We need to be able to discuss issues confronting us all. You may be surprised to learn that those who voted for Trump may have more common ground with you than with him, depending on the issue.
This article is certainly written in good faith, but the idea of simply talking to those who have different political views and everything just being fine is incredibly short sighted. Those of us who are most affected by Trumps policies (minorities, women, and arguably all of us if you consider the ramifications of ignoring climate change) do not need to be soothed or soothe the anxieties of those who voted for Trump.
Yet again, this level of false equivalence in political ideologies is a sham, and as far as I'm concerned is an insult to our ability to think critically. People should have fun, relax, and definitely take a political break if it helps them, but let's move away from the idea of 'hearing all opinions helps'. Let's use good judgement when dealing political anxiety - after all, a slew of alternative facts will only stress you out more.
Yet again, this level of false equivalence in political ideologies is a sham, and as far as I'm concerned is an insult to our ability to think critically. People should have fun, relax, and definitely take a political break if it helps them, but let's move away from the idea of 'hearing all opinions helps'. Let's use good judgement when dealing political anxiety - after all, a slew of alternative facts will only stress you out more.
55
Well said!
1
You are cutting off hearing other facets of what are arguably mainstream ideas to your own hurt. And you do no one else service by refusing to communicate.
Nope. Certainly don't want to hear all opinions. That would be awful. Too bad we couldn't do that way back when - the earth would still be flat.
2
As a psychiatrist, I wonder if the NYT isn't working to "normalize" what is political insanity, and to try to calm people's fears when fear is an essential internal signal with regards to self preservation.
88
Thank you, Dr. Shepler.
6
Whose saying was it: "Nobody can do everything, but everyone can do something"? There's so much that needs to be done, Trump or (if only!) no Trump. My region still has 8,000 people sleeping on the streets every night. They still need help. Volunteering, whether in an area affected by Trump or not, is a really healing thing to do for both volunteer and recipient. Being in nature is crucial too, though it can be bittersweet when you realize what extra injuries will now be inflicted on it. As Susan Levine points out, this is a moment in human's history when we face the greatest challenge our species has ever known--to save our only planet--and humans as a whole seem less willing than ever to realize it. And yet, and yet, if the miraculous could happen, imagine how the common recognition of how precious Earth is might possibly unite people beyond the current polarization. That's why I think it's worthwhile to try to have conversations or correspondences with Trump voters--maybe not the most rabid--- just to find, and emphasize, what we do have in common.
12
The entire population that voted for president Trump are victims of a masterful Russian disinformation campaign, which is ongoing. My thanks to the NYT for offering a traditional source of fair and minimally biased, well resourced pertinent information for the American public. Any one of us can be duped, but not all of us, not all of the time. Demonizing the duped does us no good and only confirms their unknowing Russian engineered politics. The Russian propaganda machine is designed to set us against eachother. I only wish we knew how long this has been going on!
1
That's a commendable start. But let's be serious here. The " non-rabid" voters mostly were voting for either the potential Supreme Court pick or they were voting against Hillary. The "rabid" Trump voters are the ones you need to talk to. They are the ones enraged by decades of liberal elite politics from Washington, the ones who were "left behind," the ones who are tired of being blamed for the problems of the world.
If you do, don't start by calling them racist, uneducated, anti women: you just show your ignorance of viewpoints other than your own.
If you do, don't start by calling them racist, uneducated, anti women: you just show your ignorance of viewpoints other than your own.
Wow. Talk about being brainwashed. The Russians had absolutely -let me emphasize, absolutely - nothing to do with Trump winning. It was the Democrats and the media, and a better understanding of the American voter by the Trump strategists in key battleground states that pushed Trump over the top.
Except the Puritans were religious zealots and were totally unaccepting of those who did not meekly submit to and accept their views. Ask the Quakers!
5
These days, I find myself watching videos and photo essays of Prez. Obama interacting with babies and children to keep my spirits up. It's helpful to remember that there are good, caring politicians out there, and that we will have more of them in the White House in the future.
On a side note; I saw a video of animals who hate DJT - cats who yowl and scratch at the TV screen when he comes on, dogs who run out of the room when he appears, etc. Animals are adept at reading vibes, and they know his are rotten to the core.
On a side note; I saw a video of animals who hate DJT - cats who yowl and scratch at the TV screen when he comes on, dogs who run out of the room when he appears, etc. Animals are adept at reading vibes, and they know his are rotten to the core.
27
And let's not forget the bald eagle named Uncle Sam, bless his heart, who bravely lunged at DJT in August of 2015: http://time.com/4141783/time-person-of-the-year-runner-up-donald-trump-e...
11
Trump will not cause my health or sanity or relationships with loved ones to suffer - he is simply not worth it.
13
Finally a mature, grown up attitude.
If you voted for Trump, you are part of the problem.
50
Or if you voted for Stein or Johnson or did not vote, you are part of the problem.
54
Molly, this doesn't help. It saddens me. I am anxious about what is happening with this country - but I refuse to blame people that voted for Trump. It is just making the divide worse - which is how we got here. People are being manipulated and lied to - that is what we should be focused on.
10
People who live in a bubble listening to the alt-right media will not listen to reason. Remember what Trump said about him shooting someone on Fifth Ave. and his supporters would not care. He's right, so until his supporters grow up and are willing to listen, I will not talk to them. Sometimes people have to come to realizations by themselves. Interventions rarely work unless the subject is open minded and Trump supporters are definitely not open minded.
42
So half the country - all those people - are all close-minded?
5
Their devotion is unshakable and irrational. Not subject to reason.
6
No, only twenty six percent of the country voted for Trump. Registered voters who didn't vote probably cost Clinton the election.https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/registered-voters-who-stayed-home-p...
1
I used to think Trump's supporters were victims and I had compassion towards them.
No longer. They are fast becoming accomplishes and after giving them a chance to retract I let them have it.
If more Germans had spoken up when unsubstantiated accusations about the Jews were done in their presence being polite, there may not have been a holocaust.
No longer. They are fast becoming accomplishes and after giving them a chance to retract I let them have it.
If more Germans had spoken up when unsubstantiated accusations about the Jews were done in their presence being polite, there may not have been a holocaust.
61
True. And if more open-minded, intelligent people had spoken up there might not be a Trump.
2
Over and over again, we must learn that one cannot deal rationally with irrational people.
52
I've tried talking to people on "the other side". It's made my anxiety worse. They are relatives I grew up with and know well,, but every attempt at exchange just heightens the source of my anxiety; which is what psychologist term cognitive dissonance.
All common ground has evaporated and the rules of logic are suspended. I was a scholastic debater in high school and in my freshman year in college. You are assigned to take one side or the other on the topic to debate. You have to be able to defend either argument, equally well.
It does not work with Trump supporters, There are no shared facts to start from. I see FOX news stories as obviously false: it's repetition after repetition of a statement without corroboration, until it's accepted as "fact". To a Trump supported anything printed by the NY Times is fabricated "because the writer gets paid by the editor to support an agenda".
Somehow every discussion seem to devolve into "well we used to think the earth was flat". That's designed to dismiss expertise, and rational thought as the basis for understanding the world, and resolving differences of opinion.
Some days I think I'm in the real life version of the movie, Invasion of the Body snatchers. Trump supporters are some form of alien being, and when they start "communicating" it sounds like the screeching in that movie.
All common ground has evaporated and the rules of logic are suspended. I was a scholastic debater in high school and in my freshman year in college. You are assigned to take one side or the other on the topic to debate. You have to be able to defend either argument, equally well.
It does not work with Trump supporters, There are no shared facts to start from. I see FOX news stories as obviously false: it's repetition after repetition of a statement without corroboration, until it's accepted as "fact". To a Trump supported anything printed by the NY Times is fabricated "because the writer gets paid by the editor to support an agenda".
Somehow every discussion seem to devolve into "well we used to think the earth was flat". That's designed to dismiss expertise, and rational thought as the basis for understanding the world, and resolving differences of opinion.
Some days I think I'm in the real life version of the movie, Invasion of the Body snatchers. Trump supporters are some form of alien being, and when they start "communicating" it sounds like the screeching in that movie.
83
"I see FOX news stories as obviously false..."
But you, of course, are open minded.
But you, of course, are open minded.
Sorry, but I support what columnist Connie Schultz wrote recently, when she rejected the call to understand the Trump supporter's thinking. I firmly believe that virtually everyone who voted for him did so with a reason that involved wanting take something away from someone else. Their dignity, bodily integrity, social safety net, ability to live in the U.S., ability to pay for health care, and so on. I'm confident that's true even for the man in Silicon Valley. Any rational person has to realize this, and those therapists should admit this reality.
94
Agreed. I find it more healthy to commit myself to helping the victims of these policies.
32
As a retired neuropsychiatrist, I have studied stress and treated 25,000 folks for mental health and physical health problems over a 42 year career. All of this cognitive behavioral intervention is fine but ignores the primordial unconscious nature of the stress response. I have been led to the conclusion that population density stress: the accumulation of stressors part and parcel to our hectic urban civilization, is the real culprit, and that it is causing ALL of our health problems, in concert with ever resilient opportunistic insects and micro-organisms. Those of us still living a traditional, low density hunter-gatherer or nomadic herding lifestyle have NONE of our "diseases of civilization", as documented in books by C.P. Donnison, MD, and V. Stefansson, MD, written in 1938 and 1960 respectively. The worrisome ideas regarding politics this article focuses on are simply classically conditioned ideas that trigger our stress response. As the article correctly notes, we reduce our stress by avoiding these triggers and, instead, getting more exercise, sleep, and contact with the natural extra-urban environment. Stress is addicting: we become addicted to our own endogenous opiates and stress hormones, and, then, we must continues to maintain high stress activities in order to sustain the stressaholic "high". Unfortunately, for us, the accumulation of the chronic stress hormone cortisol is quietly killing us.
39
Your different take adds something different to the usual discussions. It also reminds me that my college advisor - ca 1969 - gave us a summary of some research which indicated that discord and aggression increased along with competition ( for space, for resources) with population density). Most everyone CAN go for a walk, and even in NYC, thanks to past planners, there is access to natural environments for those who cannot really leave.
I suspected that stress was addicting - and certainly, too many people also get a temporary high from releasing anger, thus it is hard to change that sort of behavior.
I suspected that stress was addicting - and certainly, too many people also get a temporary high from releasing anger, thus it is hard to change that sort of behavior.
5
Thank you, Dr. Miklashek. I find that going for a hike and appreciating the small and wondrous beauties of nature reduces my stress greatly.
It's amazing how much beauty and design you can find in really looking at a fungus growing on a tree.
It's amazing how much beauty and design you can find in really looking at a fungus growing on a tree.
18
Sorry, Doctor, but it was millions of people living in low population density areas who overwhelmingly voted for Trump. Further, 80% of evangelical Christians, who presumably feel loved and protected by Jesus, voted for Trump. His 60 million votes (!) came from an amalgam of motivations ranging the continuum of human attitudes and emotions-- none of which, IMHO, would be a reason for a human being to be proud of him/herself.
3
Thanks NYT for this article. Hopefully this will help Americans become less stressed from the bombardment of chaotic news hurled on us daily and sometimes hourly as a result of the election.
4
My coping strategies: Netflix: lots of it. Limiting news exposure to once in the morning and once in the later evening. Donating to organizations whose missions I believe in and (by no coincidence) whose funding is threatened by the current administration. Plus tuning into Stephen Colbert's monologue and Andy Borowitz's satire helps reveal the absurdity of it all. I don't plan to engage with t supporters in some attempt at across-the-aisle reach: can't afford the points on my blood pressure.
37
I’ve found that being motivated to take part in communication through blog sites is quite helpful. Doing nothing and letting the news wash over me is awful without an escape valve.
First, I want to engage with people who hold opposing views, not to argue with them, but to try to understand what their reasoning is. I’m not looking to change opinions, but just to learn the basis of a position. My goal is to gather opposing views and to try to find a common link among the writers. I try to sketch out a profile of the “true believer”. So far, I’m coming up with similarities in an individual’s source of information, the environment (which can become an influence described as “group think”, indoctrination influenced by propaganda which over-rides low levels of critical thinking, an acceptance of letting someone else (the “leader”) make decisions rather than making a self-effort, or just plain hope in a desperate situation – as a terminally ill cancer patient will search out far-out treatments. There are additional characteristics.
I’m aware that my findings are strictly subjective, but this exercise of participation eliminates the feeling of a being a disinterested bystander.
First, I want to engage with people who hold opposing views, not to argue with them, but to try to understand what their reasoning is. I’m not looking to change opinions, but just to learn the basis of a position. My goal is to gather opposing views and to try to find a common link among the writers. I try to sketch out a profile of the “true believer”. So far, I’m coming up with similarities in an individual’s source of information, the environment (which can become an influence described as “group think”, indoctrination influenced by propaganda which over-rides low levels of critical thinking, an acceptance of letting someone else (the “leader”) make decisions rather than making a self-effort, or just plain hope in a desperate situation – as a terminally ill cancer patient will search out far-out treatments. There are additional characteristics.
I’m aware that my findings are strictly subjective, but this exercise of participation eliminates the feeling of a being a disinterested bystander.
10
Be Afraid yes be very afraid! Tump is awful but his impact is small compared to the environmental catastrophe the earth is experiencing. Trump is a diversion from what everyone should be terrified of and any thinking person knows civilization will not survive into the next century.
The planet is experiencing due to humans another major animal and plant extinction event.
Trump election just reinforces the hopelessness for saving life on planet earth. This first world country elects him at the time of the most extreme crisis for mankind a man who will only speed us towards destruction.
His election sums up our species inability to realize disaster until it strikes. Wake up folks ,its here.
The planet is experiencing due to humans another major animal and plant extinction event.
Trump election just reinforces the hopelessness for saving life on planet earth. This first world country elects him at the time of the most extreme crisis for mankind a man who will only speed us towards destruction.
His election sums up our species inability to realize disaster until it strikes. Wake up folks ,its here.
15
I have found a great deal of solace in taking charge of my own contacts and removing those who proudly voted for Trump. After assessment, I realized that I had nothing in common with these people, since we have a totally opposite and conflicting world views. I cannot respect their views since they are developed from the ugliest of human emotions. I have lost a few friends that I have had for years, and a few family members are no longer welcome at my home ( nor I at theirs- the hatred, suspicion , and rage go both ways) .
My therapist has told me that I can take as long as I need to forgive those who voted Trump - even if it takes a lifetime. In the meantime? Life is too short to surround yourself with others who hate everything you stand for. Trump voters simply do not exist as people to me anymore. They are strangers that I treat civilly , politely, and distantly.
My therapist has told me that I can take as long as I need to forgive those who voted Trump - even if it takes a lifetime. In the meantime? Life is too short to surround yourself with others who hate everything you stand for. Trump voters simply do not exist as people to me anymore. They are strangers that I treat civilly , politely, and distantly.
89
I would submit that you "realized that [you] had nothing in common with these people, since [you] have a totally opposite and conflicting world views" is simple because "Trump supporter with a world view" is an oxymoron. There is no such thing.
13
To Kate Hutchinson - Yes, it's hard to be empathetic with people who are racist xenophobes.
3
After I read the news in the morning, I go for a walk in the local zoo, and spend time with my "therapy animals." It's a great way to start the day.
19
Be kind, and become a better person?! Right! That will work?! With all the mean spiritedness out there today, post election, all that gets you are responses that you are a wimp, and they'll take more advantage of you! Nietzsche seems more right than ever today!!!
17
Binge watch West Wing and enjoy smart people in government.
16
I find political activism other than writing letters/emails, causes me too much anxiety and I prefer volunteer work where I can see a tangible result from my efforts. It helps my anxiety to work one on one with people who will be most impacted by the Republican plan to replace programs for the poor and middle class to the billionaires (through tax cuts).
Since I'm a lawyer, I volunteer in a legal aid office working with low income people on legal problems such as domestic violence orders or protection and housing instability. One by one I can make genuine positive impact, but it helps me just as much as the clients. I also volunteer as an advocate for foster children and as an on call rape crisis counselor, going to the ER to support survivors during a difficult time. All of these are not depressing, as some of my friends are concerned about. Being able to help is uplifting; focusing on things I can't impact is what causes me anxiety.
I also have not watched any TV news since election night. They don't analyze anything, only regurgitate talking points and fall for every red herring. I read only publications that provide in-depth investigative journalism. I focus on understanding the big picture rather than following every hiccup or tweet from Trump. I also listen to NPR programing and podcasts quite a bit. Getting thoughtful, analytical, well investigated, information is so much better for my anxiety than listening to hysterical talking heads.
Since I'm a lawyer, I volunteer in a legal aid office working with low income people on legal problems such as domestic violence orders or protection and housing instability. One by one I can make genuine positive impact, but it helps me just as much as the clients. I also volunteer as an advocate for foster children and as an on call rape crisis counselor, going to the ER to support survivors during a difficult time. All of these are not depressing, as some of my friends are concerned about. Being able to help is uplifting; focusing on things I can't impact is what causes me anxiety.
I also have not watched any TV news since election night. They don't analyze anything, only regurgitate talking points and fall for every red herring. I read only publications that provide in-depth investigative journalism. I focus on understanding the big picture rather than following every hiccup or tweet from Trump. I also listen to NPR programing and podcasts quite a bit. Getting thoughtful, analytical, well investigated, information is so much better for my anxiety than listening to hysterical talking heads.
56
I have also found that volunteering in non-political ways has been more calming than volunteering in political ways. I have taken to using my toddler son's artwork to make cards that we then give to the local senior center. Usually I make them into birthday cards for the staff to give to any residents when their birthdays come, but sometimes holiday cards depending on time of year. It's a situation with no downsides, no conflicts, and no "opponents." There is no winning or losing. There are only people, and there is only kindness. My son paints or colors or arranges stickers, depending on his mood and the project of the day; I write kind messages and turn them into cards, and I like to imagine that the elderly residents probably don't really care that the "art" on the cards is fairly mediocre.
Channeling my energy into political causes only makes me realize how small and impotent I am in the face of all the things going wrong. Dropping off another batch of birthday cards, visiting for a bit with any residents in the reception room, optimistically believing that maybe at least some of those cards will make at least some people happy on a special day - that may be a small thing, but it's on my scale, which is a small scale. It's something I can actually do and something I can change. And that is more helpful to me right now.
Channeling my energy into political causes only makes me realize how small and impotent I am in the face of all the things going wrong. Dropping off another batch of birthday cards, visiting for a bit with any residents in the reception room, optimistically believing that maybe at least some of those cards will make at least some people happy on a special day - that may be a small thing, but it's on my scale, which is a small scale. It's something I can actually do and something I can change. And that is more helpful to me right now.
21
Contact with Trump voters is like like lighting a candle rather than curse the darkness. If HRC was right that half of them are deplorable, then half are at least explorable.
At a bar, Drew, a fervent Trump supporter sincerely questioned why that judge blocked Trump's order.
I answered that the Mayflower carried people very unpopular b/c of their religion, and those folks made a rule - every religion is always welcome here - and put that rule in the Constitution. The judge said that rule still applies, to Muslims.
Drew said, those first Americans were all Christians.
Then he allowed that Muslims are of a religion, too.
Then he changed the subject to March madness.
At a bar, Drew, a fervent Trump supporter sincerely questioned why that judge blocked Trump's order.
I answered that the Mayflower carried people very unpopular b/c of their religion, and those folks made a rule - every religion is always welcome here - and put that rule in the Constitution. The judge said that rule still applies, to Muslims.
Drew said, those first Americans were all Christians.
Then he allowed that Muslims are of a religion, too.
Then he changed the subject to March madness.
14
Sadly, this is not exactly what happened. The Pilgrims and their ancestors then persecuted anyone who didn't have their political beliefs. Originally, each colony had different Christian religious beliefs and wouldn't allow anyone of a different belief live there. Roger Williams in Rhode Island was the first person who said anyone of any religisous belief could live in the colony. It was a long hard path to the constitution and the first amendment. It seems like we are not at the end of that long hard path.
2
Love it. Nice to have a respectful talk and then go on with your life.
A wise professor in 1974 once told me, "Action absorbs anxiety." Its true. I have since turned the phrase into AAAAA. Action almost always absorbs anxiety.
We must take as many actions as we can along with all the other groups trying to stop Trumps agenda.
We must take as many actions as we can along with all the other groups trying to stop Trumps agenda.
19
If Trump - and his cronies - disappear, "stress" would disappear as well. Its every day another lie or his repealing some environmental law, etc. There's no time away from actions that feel like death coming to the planet and/or each of us. Foreboding is the intuitive sensation in our minds and bodies.
6
So if you read the news once a day, do you do it in the AM and spoil your day? Or in the evening and spoil your sleep?
20
I had the very satisfying pleasure today of calling the Republican National Committee to take my name off their postal mailing list. ( I've never voted republican so guess they bought the Democratic Voters mailing list). To receive a letter with the return address: President Donald J. Trump "Make America Great Again" makes me angry all over again. Unfortunately I do watch MSNBC obsessively and read the hard copy and on line version of the NYT's daily which adds to my angst but at least I'm an informed citizen. I say whatever helps, go for it.
10
I send the envelopes back empty so they have to pay for the postage.
12
The way I was able to get off their list (Reagan time) was to send them a check for two cents. First time, they mailed it back to me (cost them postage, envelopes and time). I used the return envelope they enclosed to send them the check again. (Why did they enclose a postpaid return envelope?) This time they cashed it - think how much all of that cost them vs my two cents!
But they did finally stop sending me requests.
My enjoyment was worth the time and two cents. I still have the cancelled check.
But they did finally stop sending me requests.
My enjoyment was worth the time and two cents. I still have the cancelled check.
3
“I’m surrounded by Democrats,” said Abe McCallum, a software product architect in San Francisco who is a Trump supporter. “But I talk to them. I find that there is a lot of common ground between us. Talking things out lowers my stress level. If you just move across the aisle, it relieves a lot of pressure.”
It lowers HIS stress level? Does he even realize it's thanks to the candidate HE voted for that we have this unprecedented levels of stress in this country?
Also, if these Trump voters are so stressed, does that mean they regret their decision to vote for him? Or will someone else more smooth talking and suave but just as bigoted fool them again next time?
It lowers HIS stress level? Does he even realize it's thanks to the candidate HE voted for that we have this unprecedented levels of stress in this country?
Also, if these Trump voters are so stressed, does that mean they regret their decision to vote for him? Or will someone else more smooth talking and suave but just as bigoted fool them again next time?
26
Hard to relax and not worry when the President says, "We have nuclear weapons, right? Why don't we use them?" There was a news story about the recent increase of sales of "Bunkers" (the new name for Bomb Shelters). The President also goes out of his way to start arguments with most of the current world leaders. Except Putin.
And then each day a new plan - Take away health care from millions, stop covering pre-natal care, maternity care, cut funding for medical research, weather satelites, FEMA, Big Bird, Meals on Wheels, after school programs, Medicaid funding for poor children and residents of nursing homes.
And now, allow internet companies to sell all our personal internet activity.
Oh, and the U.S. new image in the world - Make America HATE again.
Before Nov. 8, America's future was bright and full of hope, and so was I.
And then each day a new plan - Take away health care from millions, stop covering pre-natal care, maternity care, cut funding for medical research, weather satelites, FEMA, Big Bird, Meals on Wheels, after school programs, Medicaid funding for poor children and residents of nursing homes.
And now, allow internet companies to sell all our personal internet activity.
Oh, and the U.S. new image in the world - Make America HATE again.
Before Nov. 8, America's future was bright and full of hope, and so was I.
19
(Another) fantastic, insightful piece by Ms. Alderman, who's fast becoming one my favorites @NYT. A fresh look at a frustrating problem we all seem to feel. Thank you!
3
The Times writers and journalists generally are not helping matters. I am not a Trump fan.
I have read the Times for nearly 4 decades, and it has become unreadable since Trump rose to prominence. Our national paper of record's daily lies and exaggerations; chasing after wild rumors and outlandish fables; saturation of nearly every national article with editorial bias are destroying any possibility of open, honest, good-faith national debate.
It is impossible to talk rationally with people who believe that "Russia hacked the election," or who are convinced that a man who appointed Putin's fiercest critic, Fiona Hill, as his top Russia expert is actually a Putin stooge.
Or that a man whose beloved daughter converted to judaism, whose grandchildren are jewish, and whose entire career has been spent cultivating relationships in heavily jewish Manhattan commercial circles is actually a nefarious anti-semite.
Please stop with the over-the-top, all-Trump-Iniquity-all-the-time hysteria mill. You're not helping matters.
I have read the Times for nearly 4 decades, and it has become unreadable since Trump rose to prominence. Our national paper of record's daily lies and exaggerations; chasing after wild rumors and outlandish fables; saturation of nearly every national article with editorial bias are destroying any possibility of open, honest, good-faith national debate.
It is impossible to talk rationally with people who believe that "Russia hacked the election," or who are convinced that a man who appointed Putin's fiercest critic, Fiona Hill, as his top Russia expert is actually a Putin stooge.
Or that a man whose beloved daughter converted to judaism, whose grandchildren are jewish, and whose entire career has been spent cultivating relationships in heavily jewish Manhattan commercial circles is actually a nefarious anti-semite.
Please stop with the over-the-top, all-Trump-Iniquity-all-the-time hysteria mill. You're not helping matters.
5
I don't know where to begin with you.
Trump can love his daughter and grandchildren and still be an anti=semite. There are Jewish people who are anti-semites! As far as anything pertaining to his "career" goes, just because he has been "cultivating relationships in heavily jewish Manhattan commercial circles" does NOT exclude him from being an anti-semite. His desire for those business relationships to promote himself and increase his personal wealth is not mutually exclusive from nor does it prevent him from also being anti-semitic.
Russia may not have literally "hacked the election" with regard to voting machines, but you are either not paying attention or refuse to believe all 19 of our national intelligence agencies who unequivocally state that Russia interfered with the U.S. election. So, it is possible to talk rationally with people, i.e. you, who do NOT think that Russia messed with our election?
You sound kind of unbalanced, even if you are not a Trump fan.
Trump can love his daughter and grandchildren and still be an anti=semite. There are Jewish people who are anti-semites! As far as anything pertaining to his "career" goes, just because he has been "cultivating relationships in heavily jewish Manhattan commercial circles" does NOT exclude him from being an anti-semite. His desire for those business relationships to promote himself and increase his personal wealth is not mutually exclusive from nor does it prevent him from also being anti-semitic.
Russia may not have literally "hacked the election" with regard to voting machines, but you are either not paying attention or refuse to believe all 19 of our national intelligence agencies who unequivocally state that Russia interfered with the U.S. election. So, it is possible to talk rationally with people, i.e. you, who do NOT think that Russia messed with our election?
You sound kind of unbalanced, even if you are not a Trump fan.
21
I live in Utah. The last time I talked to a Trump supporter they told me that, "not all Muslims are terrorists, but all terrorists are Muslims," which is apparently a tag line from some right wing media site.
I offered that the Bundys, McVeigh, and the shooters at Columbine and Arvada were not Muslims. He replied that I was a lying liberal and that President Trump was going to fix me good.
This did not reduce my stress level.
I offered that the Bundys, McVeigh, and the shooters at Columbine and Arvada were not Muslims. He replied that I was a lying liberal and that President Trump was going to fix me good.
This did not reduce my stress level.
52
“Many of my patients are frightened and on edge. They wonder, Could the next news alert report that missiles are flying through the air?” said Dr. Robert Bright, a psychiatrist at the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix."
Decades ago, I volunteered in a kibbutz along the border with Jordan. At that time rockets of sorts were still being fired from Jordan into Israel. Asking about this, and obviously being on edge, I was told that as long as you heard the explosion you were OK. It was when you did not hear it then you were in trouble, but by then it also did not matter.
Not wishing to disparage the anxiety levels of the people described here, a little proportion and common sense might also help.
"For some, simply taking the time to be a better person is calming. “I consciously try to be nice to everyone,” says Leslie Koren, a content consultant in New York City. “Being polite and kind helps to counteract a lot of the feelings of helplessness and all the negativity in the air.”
That sounds like a good idea to me under any circumstances.
Decades ago, I volunteered in a kibbutz along the border with Jordan. At that time rockets of sorts were still being fired from Jordan into Israel. Asking about this, and obviously being on edge, I was told that as long as you heard the explosion you were OK. It was when you did not hear it then you were in trouble, but by then it also did not matter.
Not wishing to disparage the anxiety levels of the people described here, a little proportion and common sense might also help.
"For some, simply taking the time to be a better person is calming. “I consciously try to be nice to everyone,” says Leslie Koren, a content consultant in New York City. “Being polite and kind helps to counteract a lot of the feelings of helplessness and all the negativity in the air.”
That sounds like a good idea to me under any circumstances.
7
It's really quite simple, realize that Donald Trump is mentally imbalanced and his tendency is toward destruction of our species and will soon be seen as a menace to life, all of life. He does things not because they serve us well but gets him attention, and he's been a receiving negative attention his entire life starting in his childhood. All of this was not forgiven but it was tolerated because his father was wealthy. In other words, if one had money they can get away with things those that don't have money or wealth cannot get away with. He will be subtlety disciplined week by week until he's allowed to continue his reign of economic and environment terrorism with tweets but not put it into affect. In other words, he wants to be our dictator but will find the American people will take just so much sh-t and say loud and clear, "Enough, dude, back off or be sent packing!" Of course the foregoing will probably not be allowed to be printed, but it doesn't matter anyway, it changes nothing and only when the American people realize they've been had by plutocrats will they react. Reducing social security would have found relentless ad never ending adversity for those receiving SS would have all day everyday to protest and protest they would. It's obvious all Trump and Company think about is making money. Such thinking has already poisoned the planet and it's going to get worse. What's amazing is the appearance of his administration. They're all frumpy old men like him.
4
They may be old but they're not frumpy. They're very wealthy old men of whom several made their fortunes buying companies whose profits weren't large enough to suit them so they broke them up or destroyed them so they could make more money.
They only care about profits, the bottom line, not about people.
They only care about profits, the bottom line, not about people.
1
I have found the opposite to be true. When I attempted to find common ground with one Trump supporter on facebook, out of the blue, she ended the exchange saying that she needed to check her guns. Others rage at me when I point out fallacies or inconsistencies. I end up unfriending them and I am much calmer.
23
It's all well to volunteer for an organization that supports all that Trump and company want to destroy - meals for the elderly, school lunch programs, school arts and after-school programs, mental health programs. Many people I know have considered it. Problem is, many, if not most, of the recipients of these programs in the upstate rural NY area, voted for Trump and support the Freedom Caucus. I know there's a larger issue here because these people, especially the old and very young, are in dire need of these services, but that's the conundrum for liberals. As pained as we may be, some of us are tired of always being expected to understand and rise above - to get called patronizing, or snowflakes, or worse.
11
It is interesting that the anecdotes about "opening conversations" to reduce stress focus on stress experienced by Trump supporters who are concerned about being judged for their actions. I don't think I have ever heard of a Trump opponent who felt relief or comfort after opening a productive dialogue with a Trump supporter. It does not surprise me that people who support him fear judgment, and I do not feel any obligation to alleviate those fears. "Judgment" seems a fairly small fear to have in these early days of the Trump administration, as far as valid fears these days go. You have a right to your political beliefs, but you absolutely do not have a right to hold them without the judgment of those around you.
For me, personally, I have found that NOT trying to "understand" or engage Trump supporters is crucial to managing my stress and anxiety. Alleviating their "anxiety" about what I may think of them is not my concern. For me, minimizing dialogue with Trump's supporters in my daily life is as vital to my sanity as minimizing the constant stream of incoming bad news on social media.
The false equivalency suggesting that, because people who support something abhorrent feel better when others still speak to them, people on both sides will feel similarly better "reaching across the aisle," is more of the same false equivalency that helped Trump masquerade his way into the presidency in the first place.
For me, personally, I have found that NOT trying to "understand" or engage Trump supporters is crucial to managing my stress and anxiety. Alleviating their "anxiety" about what I may think of them is not my concern. For me, minimizing dialogue with Trump's supporters in my daily life is as vital to my sanity as minimizing the constant stream of incoming bad news on social media.
The false equivalency suggesting that, because people who support something abhorrent feel better when others still speak to them, people on both sides will feel similarly better "reaching across the aisle," is more of the same false equivalency that helped Trump masquerade his way into the presidency in the first place.
15
This "don't judge me!" attitude that is apparently "stressful" for Trump supporters reminds me of the months following Sandy Hook, an event that was personal for me. An acquaintance of mine expressed frequent support for the idea that the shooting was a "false flag" event. I told her that I was uninterested in discussing it, as I knew the town well and knew people who had died. She accused me of "vilifying her" for her "beliefs" and, yes, called me "judgmental."
No, I did not vilify her, but yes, I did judge her for her "beliefs." Freedom from judgment is not covered under the social contract. I did not slander her or behave rudely towards her, or even unfriend her on Facebook. I simply told her I would not engage in a topic of discussion. To this day, I kindly discuss other aspects of her life and inquire after her children. But yes, I judge her, both for her Sandy Hook conspiracy theories and for her eventual support of Trump. That's the risk you run when you hold abhorrent, anti-social beliefs and behave in destructive, willfully ignorant ways.
I will be kind to people, and I will keep to topics that do not present me with a moral obligation to correct and oppose incorrect statements and "alternative facts." But if a person wants me to validate his unfounded and dangerously incorrect claims by merely listening kindly, as a kind of therapy for some shame he feels, he will be disappointed. There are times where judgment, and shame, are appropriate responses.
No, I did not vilify her, but yes, I did judge her for her "beliefs." Freedom from judgment is not covered under the social contract. I did not slander her or behave rudely towards her, or even unfriend her on Facebook. I simply told her I would not engage in a topic of discussion. To this day, I kindly discuss other aspects of her life and inquire after her children. But yes, I judge her, both for her Sandy Hook conspiracy theories and for her eventual support of Trump. That's the risk you run when you hold abhorrent, anti-social beliefs and behave in destructive, willfully ignorant ways.
I will be kind to people, and I will keep to topics that do not present me with a moral obligation to correct and oppose incorrect statements and "alternative facts." But if a person wants me to validate his unfounded and dangerously incorrect claims by merely listening kindly, as a kind of therapy for some shame he feels, he will be disappointed. There are times where judgment, and shame, are appropriate responses.
16
Agreed. There ARE limits to tolerance.
9
Sounds as if she listens to Alex Jones, a favorite of the current occupant of the White House.
1
Helpful hint for next election: If you are embarrassed by who are thinking about who you voted for, do the world a huge favor and listen to that little voice inside you next time, OK?
22
My stress levels have nothing to do with politics.
However, the many distractions, displays of paranoia, secrecy, suspicion and mistrust, and placing blame through the ranks among our elected officials, gov't agencies and cabinet members coming under constant scrutiny and criticism in D.C. is certainly sufficient to cause extreme agita.
The term compromise apparently is not in the vocabulary for either party; opting for obstruction, division, infighting and finger pointing...the new agenda haphazardly adopted by dysfunctional, delusional GOP leaders, law makers and members of Congress, intended to keep our country divided every which way possible. Antacids, anyone?
However, the many distractions, displays of paranoia, secrecy, suspicion and mistrust, and placing blame through the ranks among our elected officials, gov't agencies and cabinet members coming under constant scrutiny and criticism in D.C. is certainly sufficient to cause extreme agita.
The term compromise apparently is not in the vocabulary for either party; opting for obstruction, division, infighting and finger pointing...the new agenda haphazardly adopted by dysfunctional, delusional GOP leaders, law makers and members of Congress, intended to keep our country divided every which way possible. Antacids, anyone?
1
As an American overseas I feel that Trump has caused significantly increased stress for citizens of literally all countries over his ill-conceived policies on trade, global warming, religion, foreign relations, etc. The simplest remedy would be for him resign, and soon.
18
“Practicing empathy for different points of view can help you feel less distressed.”
This short quote makes it appear that Dr. Hayes is recommending that we give in to reduce anxiety. Empathy isn't only understanding, but also a shared feeling. One can have empathy about people's lives -- like their economic situation -- but one can't share in redirection of the blame through the politics of hate. The lies have to be corrected and that means confronting people about their motives for believing those lies. You'll become less anxious by doing that well.
This short quote makes it appear that Dr. Hayes is recommending that we give in to reduce anxiety. Empathy isn't only understanding, but also a shared feeling. One can have empathy about people's lives -- like their economic situation -- but one can't share in redirection of the blame through the politics of hate. The lies have to be corrected and that means confronting people about their motives for believing those lies. You'll become less anxious by doing that well.
14
Thank you. Pointing out that having empathy for a fellow human and having empathy for their viewpoint are quite different positions clarifies Hayes misstatements succinctly. True, we can't know from brief quotes if we get his position exactly. But in the context of this article your point is very well made; we can exercise compassion and hold onto our ethical standards simultaneously.
1
When parents are in conflict, money is a worry, job loss causes pressure--the family is infused with a toxic atmosphere; kids can feel sick, flunk nin school or get injured.
When an institution, mental hospital, company, department finds there is confusion at the top or unsteady leadership- there can be a breakdown, bad performance, internecine fighting, unraveling.
When a country feels rudderless, where the angry roll of the dice fails to igniote innovation and competent change- when chaotic ignorant noise and shallow posturing dominates where wisdom, expertise, dedication is expected-- citizens get queasy, sleepless, edgy.
We know when something is amiss.
When an institution, mental hospital, company, department finds there is confusion at the top or unsteady leadership- there can be a breakdown, bad performance, internecine fighting, unraveling.
When a country feels rudderless, where the angry roll of the dice fails to igniote innovation and competent change- when chaotic ignorant noise and shallow posturing dominates where wisdom, expertise, dedication is expected-- citizens get queasy, sleepless, edgy.
We know when something is amiss.
12
I too feel a constant need to know what is going on in Washington. It is a matter of "Oh Lord, what has he done now?!"
7
I've found that when I read the news rather than watch it on television, my body is less reactive. With TV, I'm subjected to Trump's face and voice, which causes instant negative body sensations. Also, the relentless repetition of every televised news story, told by breathless newscasters who need to fill air time, makes for heightened anxiety.
By reading the New York Times and a few other carefully selected newspapers (the Washington Post and the New Yorker are my other go-to outlets), I can mitigate the negative effects by focusing on their intelligent and sober analysis. Staying informed is more important now than ever, but watching the news on television is downright punishing.
By reading the New York Times and a few other carefully selected newspapers (the Washington Post and the New Yorker are my other go-to outlets), I can mitigate the negative effects by focusing on their intelligent and sober analysis. Staying informed is more important now than ever, but watching the news on television is downright punishing.
11
To MAINTAIN a high level of inner stress - here's what i do: catchup on every political report and column in the NYT, feel impelled to write comments, listen to MSNBC starting at 6AM with Morning Joe . . . neglect walks and exercise . . . neglect reading entertaining material on other subjects . . . I don't need therapy, I need more of a life again. It has felt in some ways like post 9/11 - but it isn't.
The only way I can engage with someone Pro-trump is to ignore political beliefs and focus on their good qualities. what seems like rational political discussion to me is interpreted as an attack on personal values.
The only way I can engage with someone Pro-trump is to ignore political beliefs and focus on their good qualities. what seems like rational political discussion to me is interpreted as an attack on personal values.
6
alcohol consumption is up everywhere. that's not a good thing. avoiding trump supporters is the smart tactic.
6
The platitudinous advice given here to reach out to the opposition would make sense if these were normal times.
These are not normal times.
This creature Trump and those who follow him are profoundly threatening to our values, our democracy, our way of life.
There is nothing in that direction to compromise with.
These are not normal times.
This creature Trump and those who follow him are profoundly threatening to our values, our democracy, our way of life.
There is nothing in that direction to compromise with.
11
I unfriended someone after she basically said I was making things up in claiming that Trump said he'd order the military to target civilians and bring back torture. There was a story about this very issue in the papers two days later, one of many stories.
This woman has told a mutual friend she wants to get together with me, maybe hang out together. Sorry, no can do. It's more important to me to try to find some respite in my life than it is to convince her I'm okay with her opinions and beliefs.
What the election did was bring into the open some things that she and I had been dancing around (avoiding) for years. I can't ignore these things any more.
This woman has told a mutual friend she wants to get together with me, maybe hang out together. Sorry, no can do. It's more important to me to try to find some respite in my life than it is to convince her I'm okay with her opinions and beliefs.
What the election did was bring into the open some things that she and I had been dancing around (avoiding) for years. I can't ignore these things any more.
12
I'm digging a bunker in the backyard. The labor will keep me focused and tired with no time for television or radio. At my age, it will take years for me to finish the project.
7
Could I join you? I have a margaritas machine, supplies, buying agricultural land in Colorado for a mariJuana crop--I figure this may last another 7 years, 9 months.
1
And then there are margaritas. Glasses and glasses of margaritas.
8
In Colorado, we have other ways :D
6
Yes, a margarita machine, supplies, and a good acre of agricultural land on Colorado.
1
Trump is self destructing as I type this.
Today he told the 40 Republican congressmen who opposed his Trumpcare that he will destroy them in 2018. Maybe these threats worked when he was a bully in the private sector but I doubt that they will persuade the congressmen to see the light.
Now Flynn, whom he fired, will testify with immunity. Why? Because he has some hot items to share that Dennis the Menace will not enjoy.
Face it people, his 15 minutes of fame is coming to an end.
And then those who are wealthy enough to go to therapists to whine about such a thing will have to find new things to complain about.
And they most surely will.
Today he told the 40 Republican congressmen who opposed his Trumpcare that he will destroy them in 2018. Maybe these threats worked when he was a bully in the private sector but I doubt that they will persuade the congressmen to see the light.
Now Flynn, whom he fired, will testify with immunity. Why? Because he has some hot items to share that Dennis the Menace will not enjoy.
Face it people, his 15 minutes of fame is coming to an end.
And then those who are wealthy enough to go to therapists to whine about such a thing will have to find new things to complain about.
And they most surely will.
3
Oh, Simon, darling, you're not paying attention. It's all about winning for President T. Winning, winning, winning. Above everything else. He will never be humiliated, defeated, humbled ever. Why do you think we're in this mess in the first place? Whatever it takes, even the destruction of the planet, he WILL win.
1
Amuse yourself by calling the Speaker of the Houses's office, asking why he and the President sought the repeal of Obamacare for seven years while clearly having no alternative. Or ask a question about any of the other clownish moves of this administration, not hoping for a cogent answer but instead to distract a staffer for a few minutes from one of their evil tasks.
8
The story's idea of "seeking out Trump voters" would only serve to heighten my stress.
My best solution, as a former journalist, is to explain how reporting news has changed as a result of the removal of the Fairness Doctrine and the subsequent rise of Fox, Most every person will agree that they do not like the teasers instead of hearing what happened, or the Youtube videos or false equivalencies.
Then I explain a solution: watch PBS News Hour for a month and see if they like it. So far, person by person, this has been working.
My best solution, as a former journalist, is to explain how reporting news has changed as a result of the removal of the Fairness Doctrine and the subsequent rise of Fox, Most every person will agree that they do not like the teasers instead of hearing what happened, or the Youtube videos or false equivalencies.
Then I explain a solution: watch PBS News Hour for a month and see if they like it. So far, person by person, this has been working.
8
Amen.
Think how convoluted this is!
The thoughts about the President of the United States, the very person who is supposed to ultimately provide the best protection, stability, welfare, and all the best of everything else, is sending US citizens to shrinks to alleviate profound and newfound anxiety, fear, and depression. And it's only been two months.
Job creation. Med students, think about psychiatry as your specialty! Donald Trump assures you of a huuugely, very, very, very big medical practice.
It is not surprising how many of us truly do know people who have sought out therapy because of Trump. Whatever they do, please do not take away mental health benefits from healthcare insurance. The US government should be offering free supplemental plans just to try to take care of the mental health damage Trump has created. It is widespread or this article would not need to be written.
The thoughts about the President of the United States, the very person who is supposed to ultimately provide the best protection, stability, welfare, and all the best of everything else, is sending US citizens to shrinks to alleviate profound and newfound anxiety, fear, and depression. And it's only been two months.
Job creation. Med students, think about psychiatry as your specialty! Donald Trump assures you of a huuugely, very, very, very big medical practice.
It is not surprising how many of us truly do know people who have sought out therapy because of Trump. Whatever they do, please do not take away mental health benefits from healthcare insurance. The US government should be offering free supplemental plans just to try to take care of the mental health damage Trump has created. It is widespread or this article would not need to be written.
4
But who will be able to pay for mental health care?
1
i do not need to understand their point of view. they do not have to understand mine. come on please. it's the difference that IS THE issue
8
There now an official word for this:
politistress: noun | po-lit-i-stress | \pə-ˈli-ti-stres\
1. Unease or anxiety brought on by reaction to the operation of a government or the election thereof.
politistress: noun | po-lit-i-stress | \pə-ˈli-ti-stres\
1. Unease or anxiety brought on by reaction to the operation of a government or the election thereof.
3
Trump and his team have stolen my clean air and water with plan to vandalize it throughout the next four years, they have sold my privacy leaving my family morre vulnerable to hacking and scams, they have approved of cancerous pesticides ignoring EPA science and they have taken away protections allowing states to pilfer unemployment insurance. All of the above is just in the last 24 hours.
Trump voters should stay clear of me, I am angry that they have empowered these people that want to butcher Meals on Wheels, PBS, the Arts, but also science research as we know it for EPA,NIH,NOAA, NASA, AG and CDC. Trump is making my family more vulnerable to disease, global unrest and economic depressions. I have already taken the time, that is an understatement, to be a care giver for family members stricken by stroke and brain disease. But being kind, polite , generous does not make this frightening menagrie of governance become more acceptable.
I will not accept greed, ignorance, falsehoods and bigotry as values for my president, my government or my country.
Trump voters should stay clear of me, I am angry that they have empowered these people that want to butcher Meals on Wheels, PBS, the Arts, but also science research as we know it for EPA,NIH,NOAA, NASA, AG and CDC. Trump is making my family more vulnerable to disease, global unrest and economic depressions. I have already taken the time, that is an understatement, to be a care giver for family members stricken by stroke and brain disease. But being kind, polite , generous does not make this frightening menagrie of governance become more acceptable.
I will not accept greed, ignorance, falsehoods and bigotry as values for my president, my government or my country.
40
Right on!
I would be interested to know what the election has done to suicide rates. Rates were high even before the election. I would think they are even higher now. It seems like we get monthly or quarterly data on unemployment, jobs created, consumer prices, consumer confidence, on-time airline arrivals, etc. But, unless I'm mistaken, suicide data seems to be harder to come by, appearing only sporadically, and perhaps only from various piecemeal sources. Nothing would capture the mood of the nation like how many people have recently taken their own lives.
6
Adopt a dog, or two. Dogs are apolitical. Dogs offer unconditional love.
Dogs offer so much and are very happy with whatever you can provide.
Please don't BUY dogs, go to a local shelter or rescue group. Trust me, they will improve your life AND reduce stress. Apartment dwellers: CAT.
Save a life, make yours better. Much thanks.
Dogs offer so much and are very happy with whatever you can provide.
Please don't BUY dogs, go to a local shelter or rescue group. Trust me, they will improve your life AND reduce stress. Apartment dwellers: CAT.
Save a life, make yours better. Much thanks.
15
A couple of weeks ago, Saturday Night Live had a skit in which scientists finally learned how to put a gizmo on a dog so that it could speak. Scarlett Johansson played the owner of an adorable little dog who, once he received the gift of speech, revealed himself to be a virulent Trump supporter! The gift of speech was retracted immediately.
5
I have gone from one cat to 4 cats since the dismal am of 9 Nov. 2016. They have saved me.
1
Wise words from Dr. Hayes: "Use your anxiety to motivate you. Think about what you value most and take action."
Short term methods to relieve stress, anxiety, and anger are important. But those emotions are signals for the need to take action. Simply learning to numb oneself without taking action is one of the reasons why we are in the current state of regression. We need to fix problems, not learn how to stop noticing them.
That being said, the actions of this incompetent and destructive administration are sure to lead to a giant spike in drug and alcohol addiction.
Short term methods to relieve stress, anxiety, and anger are important. But those emotions are signals for the need to take action. Simply learning to numb oneself without taking action is one of the reasons why we are in the current state of regression. We need to fix problems, not learn how to stop noticing them.
That being said, the actions of this incompetent and destructive administration are sure to lead to a giant spike in drug and alcohol addiction.
18
The stress is only partially related to Trump's attacks on immigrants, women's reproductive rights, taking away away health insurance from millions. It is the daily life that has been contaminated by rudeness and violence normalised by Trump.
If they are trying to build up anxiety so that a major "event" can catalyze it into hysteria, so they can move it to "save us" while assaulting our liberties and rescuing Trump's approval rating from totally tanking. We should be vigilant because the guys in the White House are not good "hombres", to use a term introduced by Trump to demonize Mexicans.
If they are trying to build up anxiety so that a major "event" can catalyze it into hysteria, so they can move it to "save us" while assaulting our liberties and rescuing Trump's approval rating from totally tanking. We should be vigilant because the guys in the White House are not good "hombres", to use a term introduced by Trump to demonize Mexicans.
26
Excellent writing by Lesley Alderman. For me, there was a rational cause for Trump's election, thanking Jefferson and Madison for their idealistic view that the farmer has more wisdom than does the educated city dweller. There is a bias in the Electoral College to the sparsely populated states.
Add to that the rise over the last 30 years of Right Wing media that tends to emotionalize nearly everything. Writers such as Ann Coulter, Rush Limbaugh and news outlets such as Fox News groom these people into a large market. They make a lot of money from them. Why would they do the right thing and lead people to a better place?
We knew that these surly people have been around for a long time, but we expected our political process to do the right thing. An example is that the great (he is great) John McCain did the right thing admonishing that despicable woman when she called Barack Obama a terrorist Muslim. But in 2016 Republicans nominated an egomaniacal fascist lunatic. The presidential primary process is broken for the GOP. Got it. And back further, in 2000, Republicans should have nominated John McCain, the intelligent, experienced war hero. But they didn't. So 2000 was a precursor to the 2016 results.
To the psychiatrists mentioned in Lesley Alderman's really absorbing article, I would say, tell your patients what I just wrote. The U.S. could be leaning to fascism, but, even then, we've flirted with this. We need to teach that Trump supporter how to think.
Add to that the rise over the last 30 years of Right Wing media that tends to emotionalize nearly everything. Writers such as Ann Coulter, Rush Limbaugh and news outlets such as Fox News groom these people into a large market. They make a lot of money from them. Why would they do the right thing and lead people to a better place?
We knew that these surly people have been around for a long time, but we expected our political process to do the right thing. An example is that the great (he is great) John McCain did the right thing admonishing that despicable woman when she called Barack Obama a terrorist Muslim. But in 2016 Republicans nominated an egomaniacal fascist lunatic. The presidential primary process is broken for the GOP. Got it. And back further, in 2000, Republicans should have nominated John McCain, the intelligent, experienced war hero. But they didn't. So 2000 was a precursor to the 2016 results.
To the psychiatrists mentioned in Lesley Alderman's really absorbing article, I would say, tell your patients what I just wrote. The U.S. could be leaning to fascism, but, even then, we've flirted with this. We need to teach that Trump supporter how to think.
18
Thank you for explaining how our country came to experience electile dysfunction.
1
Seek out Trump supporters to trade ideas with as a strategy to reduce anxiety even as their fearless leader works to systematically destroy everything that makes this country great? Is that a joke? Those people terrify me.
209
They *are* terrifying because they have absolutely no check on what Trump, or Fox News, or sensationalist Right Wing writers, say. If *any* politician, or supporter, makes a statement to me, I evaluate it. If someone recommends a car to me, I check his or her credentials and then evaluate the car myself. It's common sense. Trump supporters, some are family to me, have lost that ability.
41
Agreed!
2
I'm afraid to talk to Trump supporters. I can see NO excuse for voting for him and I am afraid I would be tempted to smack anyone who supports him.
6
Reduce the crap, avoid the hype, read the best sources. Get a life. Regardless of how miserable the idiot-in-chief and his cronies, the quality of your life matters, and don't let them ruin it. Get involved. Instead of worrying about the harm of the Republicans, get busy, not from home, but get out and help to bring about change.
71
Great advice. I'm taking it.
Yet again we have here an example of the media's misguided injection of social and clinical psychological claptrap of an equivalency between Trump and Clinton voters when in fact it is a most dramatically false one.
Must I feel compelled to understand several Trump voters? Life is short. Its enough to know we all have needs and that we should work to meet them and be here for our country.
I can become a friends with a Trump voter if no political discussions whatsover are permitted.
On a supermarket line three days ago I heard a woman say to another that "Hillary Killed 300 people in Arkansas." I chimed in saying I don't recall hearing about it, to which she replied "You don't think they would put it on the news." As God is my witness, she uttered those exact words.
I'm old. How much more understanding of many Trump supporters must I make myself endure before my "little life is rounded with a sleep," (?) as will all our brief struts on earth be rounded.
Must I feel compelled to understand several Trump voters? Life is short. Its enough to know we all have needs and that we should work to meet them and be here for our country.
I can become a friends with a Trump voter if no political discussions whatsover are permitted.
On a supermarket line three days ago I heard a woman say to another that "Hillary Killed 300 people in Arkansas." I chimed in saying I don't recall hearing about it, to which she replied "You don't think they would put it on the news." As God is my witness, she uttered those exact words.
I'm old. How much more understanding of many Trump supporters must I make myself endure before my "little life is rounded with a sleep," (?) as will all our brief struts on earth be rounded.
220
Dart, I too keep wondering how the Trump supporters are getting all this secret information about mass killing, sex rings, drug empires, etc. etc. that nobody else has. I could point out that the claim of special knowledge (that only they and few of the select are privileged to) is one of the signs of those with mental difficulties, but a kinder explanation is that having 'special knowledge' gives the powerless a momentary feeling of being powerful.
2
"On a supermarket line three days ago I heard a woman say to another that "Hillary Killed 300 people in Arkansas." I chimed in saying I don't recall hearing about it, to which she replied "You don't think they would put it on the news." As God is my witness, she uttered those exact words."
An ideal world would issue community college education funding for such people.
An ideal world would issue community college education funding for such people.
1
Or at least a library card
4
"Taking action can help to instill the sense that you have some control over your environment — what psychologists call perceived self-efficacy." Absolutely true. I phoned the EPA after Scott Pruitt's climate-change-denial remarks. It was not only good for my "self-efficacy," but the EPA staff fearing for their jobs can use our encouragement. I'm also helping organize an Earth Day bicycle event, writing my congress persons, and I joined a local environmental action group. At the same time, it's necessary to ration the online news to avoid getting overwhelmed. All in all, excellent article; great advice.
35
This article or similar should be on the op ed page, where most readers go for discussion of the political news causing so much anxiety. Would get a wider range of comments for those trying to cope with a daily dose of Trump. (and with all the repellent pictures of his snarling, belligerent face the Times shoves in our faces every day).
35
Since the campaign and the election, I've saved more articles on my computer and written more notes to myself to follow up on various things. This is getting to be too much.
How do other people organize this for themselves? I've got articles copied into Word Docs waiting to be read, and hardly have time to read the comments. I save some comments also. Also favorites files. To Be Read files, etc.
Eliminating TV is 1 solution. I know people who don't own a TV, and just read NPR news on the subway. A simpler life. Am I ready for that?
Are there therapists for how to cope with the wave of info to be read, followed up on. organized? I have clean up to do---but I keep putting it off!
This is one result of the 2016 election.
How do other people organize this for themselves? I've got articles copied into Word Docs waiting to be read, and hardly have time to read the comments. I save some comments also. Also favorites files. To Be Read files, etc.
Eliminating TV is 1 solution. I know people who don't own a TV, and just read NPR news on the subway. A simpler life. Am I ready for that?
Are there therapists for how to cope with the wave of info to be read, followed up on. organized? I have clean up to do---but I keep putting it off!
This is one result of the 2016 election.
9
You are saving stories to read later? Stop doing that. That may have worked in years past but there is too much media now. Read it when you see it. If you don't read it now, it will be outdated in 24 hours. The news evolves by the hour. Read what you can, when you can, don't try to consume it all.
1
Dismay, anger, disgust, out and out fear--it's increased for most, and for people not going to psychotherapists. We have to revise our conception of what protections a democracy can give us. What is possible or impossible? At least for US democracy.
I've watched much more news, and written more to NY Times re the election and after. Can't help it. Are we becoming compulsive? I wake up in a.m. and say should I turn on the TV? Wonder what's happened today. Can it get more bizarre?
Right now, it's a gorgeous day, and I'm going for a long brisk walk in Central Park while listening to a few Beethoven piano sonatas. --not only musically enjoyable--but due to Beethoven's great mind and spirit--a bulwark against this distressing and unpredictable world.
Exercise and the arts. Therapy that's free.
I've watched much more news, and written more to NY Times re the election and after. Can't help it. Are we becoming compulsive? I wake up in a.m. and say should I turn on the TV? Wonder what's happened today. Can it get more bizarre?
Right now, it's a gorgeous day, and I'm going for a long brisk walk in Central Park while listening to a few Beethoven piano sonatas. --not only musically enjoyable--but due to Beethoven's great mind and spirit--a bulwark against this distressing and unpredictable world.
Exercise and the arts. Therapy that's free.
121
I was born in NY, but have not lived there since I was a small child. I'd love to go back, but I am old now and cannot tolerate the cold and other extreme weather. Perhaps I will visit in autumn, the most beautiful time of year. I still have relatives in the area and maybe I can reconnect with some of them and we can walk through Central Park together. Thanks for the wonderful visual and reminder of what is still possible.
1
@ Meredith
Avoiding the issue does not make it go away. One needs to take positive action to make it go away.
Avoiding the issue does not make it go away. One needs to take positive action to make it go away.
2
This is something I must do before working on my bunker.
1
If this is what makes you anxious in life, then you’ve lived a blessed life.
17
Yes, Ed, lived a blessed life, but looking at the future, for how much longer?
2
Many people who suffer with anxiety and depression have experienced significant trauma in their lives. The traumatic events may have passed, but the aftereffects may include an increased sensitivity to injustice and a tentative sense of safety. We are blessed, but minimizing the current situation doesn't really help.
1
How does one mitigate the damage?
My solution, after 3 months of disbelief and mourning, is to seek out thoughtful and meaningful outlets. The election has forced me to the gym, slogging it out on a treadmill. I have joined Village Without Walls as a volunteer to assist those in need and affected by the new administration. I read to children through the SMART program in Oregon: I happen to be placed in a low-income Hispanic school and find the children eager participants in our 30 min. one on one session together. I volunteer at the library shelving books so operating funds can be used elsewhere. The Taize program at the local UU church allows me to settle my thoughts. And most importantly, I have found the UU church to be the one steady, guiding light in all this insanity. This community of folks from every walk of life gives me so much hope. Through this lens I am able to sort out injustices and be part of an ongoing discussion that levels the playing field.
My solution, after 3 months of disbelief and mourning, is to seek out thoughtful and meaningful outlets. The election has forced me to the gym, slogging it out on a treadmill. I have joined Village Without Walls as a volunteer to assist those in need and affected by the new administration. I read to children through the SMART program in Oregon: I happen to be placed in a low-income Hispanic school and find the children eager participants in our 30 min. one on one session together. I volunteer at the library shelving books so operating funds can be used elsewhere. The Taize program at the local UU church allows me to settle my thoughts. And most importantly, I have found the UU church to be the one steady, guiding light in all this insanity. This community of folks from every walk of life gives me so much hope. Through this lens I am able to sort out injustices and be part of an ongoing discussion that levels the playing field.
96
Bless you!
15
Did the gym, and the low-income Hispanic school and the reading program all not exist back before November 2016? or the period of 2009-2016 when Mr. Obama was the President?
Or were you so blissfully happy then, that you felt no need to workout, exercise, support schools in disadvantaged areas or read to children? didn't those children need adult volunteers BEFORE Trump was elected?
Or were you so blissfully happy then, that you felt no need to workout, exercise, support schools in disadvantaged areas or read to children? didn't those children need adult volunteers BEFORE Trump was elected?
3
"I have joined Village Without Walls as a volunteer to assist those in need and affected by the new administration."
A lot of programs that assist the disabled, the elderly and children from low income homes are being cut or eliminated.
A lot of programs that assist the disabled, the elderly and children from low income homes are being cut or eliminated.
1
"[Elaine Ducharme] advises patients to talk to people on the other side of the political divide, in order to understand their point of view."
That can be a risky proposition when the other side presents you with points of view based on lies. Lies are in much greater abundance among those who support and believe whatever the president and his associates say.
That can be a risky proposition when the other side presents you with points of view based on lies. Lies are in much greater abundance among those who support and believe whatever the president and his associates say.
175
Yes. Exactly. My concerns and stress increases significantly when I hear otherwise intelligent people quote "alternative facts" and think it's great that DJT is shaking up Washington. I keep listening to news, reading FB posts the same way way I read a good spy vs spy vs spy novel wanting to finish to learn how it really turns out. Please let this end soon.
56
must be very difficult (and apparently frightening) to be a progressive and have the burden of always being smarter than everyone else, bless your heart
1
I am stressed out because Trump's government is eliminating good husbandry of limited resources, allowing firearms into schools and universities, and is intent on ending material and medical help to the neediest among us. To top it off, good manners are now a thing of the past.
5
One must be aware of the source from which a person gets their news. Overtly partisan outlets are prone to exaggerate, distort, or outright lie in their efforts to manipulate people who crave confirmation of their biases. These are the places where patients must avoid or it will be very likely to have a negative impact on their mental health. Fox is a prime offender.
48
Well, we are contributing money to new candidates, joining groups, writing letters.... but still. It is the incessant battiness and sheer short-sighted idiocy of this administration, that creates a sense of hyper-vigilance.
If we the people are feeling stressed, I can't imagine what it is like to General Mattis, or John McCain.
If we the people are feeling stressed, I can't imagine what it is like to General Mattis, or John McCain.
38
This makes so much sense. I've taken a break from social media, a road trip to the south, joined a political advocacy group, and continue to volunteer in a public school. All of these factors, plus weekly yoga keep me engaged, moving forward, and "feeling good".
However, I wonder if the chronic post election stress many feel is not dissimilar to that experienced by people who are persistently excluded from meaningful productive work, good pay and benefits, good schools and access to quality health care.
I believe that is where the conversations need to occur.
However, I wonder if the chronic post election stress many feel is not dissimilar to that experienced by people who are persistently excluded from meaningful productive work, good pay and benefits, good schools and access to quality health care.
I believe that is where the conversations need to occur.
67
Talk to people across the political divide and try to understand their point of view. And you kidding me? I have. And guess what you get more often than not if you try to have a conversation with a Trump supporter? I was met with nothing but incoherent hatred, repetitive parroting of verifiably false propaganda, and a complete inability (or unwillingness?) to distinguish fact from fiction. You can only have a productive conversation if both sides have some semblance of a shared reality and willingness to evaluate objective information. Sorry, I'm done trying to convince flat-earthers that the planet is actually round. How much more time would you have me waste showing them pictures of Earth from space with love and compassion?
“I consciously try to be nice to everyone" is a good way to get run over by people who don't share your concern. Guess who's not playing nice? Trump and his supporters, who have and will continue to use every opportunity to gain power and wealth for themselves not matter the suffering it inflicts on everyone else. This is not a time to be nice. This is a time to fight for our very lives.