Ditch the Covers, Take Action: Coping with Anxiety

Action is the antidote for anxiety. That’s one of my key learning points when I speak on resilience—sitting still and stewing, doing the “what if” game in your head, or envisioning all the worst scenarios will make you crazy!

I know. I get stuck in that futile cycle. Given the outrageous, horrifying behaviors and pronouncements that are happening right now in my country, I can feel my anxiety level rising. Some days, I want to stay in bed, pull the covers over my head, and rock back and forth.  I would do that as a child when I was afraid. I’d keep my head under the covers and repeatedly say, “I’m going to the moon. I’m going to the moon.” 

Doesn’t work as an adult, though. 

What is causing this anxiety is to watch the rapid destruction of this democracy under the hands of the most unqualified and dangerous administration this nation has ever experienced. (I can hear the whispers now: “OMG, she’s getting political.” )

Hmmm—yes and no.  I’m also not happy with several Democrats.

Instead, the lack of critical thinking, accountability, and honesty in the last two months has caused great concern. Actions are taken without acknowledging the harm done to my fellow citizens. Actions taken by a non-elected mega-billionaire are not only illegal but also unconstitutional. The system of checks and balances and the rule of law are thin and fraying quickly.

My actions: write letters to the newspaper, write postcards to voters, attend rallies and protests, AND ignore television news. Stay educated by reading posts by people whose intelligence and analysis I respect: Heather Cox Richardson (award-winning history professor from Boston College), Joyce Vance (lawyer and author of Civil Discourse), Robert Reich (former Sec. of the Treasury), Scott Dworkin (fearless, independent journalist), Meida Touch (three brothers who are very independent and beating the socks off mainstream media in ratings).

Am I still anxious? You bet. But by staying informed and taking what action I can, I am not hiding under the covers.