and not being able to stop it from happening.

Welcome to DU! Honestly, you're in the right place to air those kind of sentiments. We are all feeling the same way. I know that a lot of people have had those same feelings. I know that my husband and I do. I don't know what to tell you. I truly believe that democracy will prevail.

I can't imagine why anybody would do that.

I can't believe any person with an ounce of decency would vote for such a vicious horrible man as Trump.

The one thing that helps me is to get active. I wrote over 100 letters to Democratic leaning voters in swing states in 2020 with vote forward. It kept me off of DU during that time and I think I probably influenced the election in a small tangible way.

I have heard of it. I'll put that on my to-do list. 💙

That is a very positive thing to do. I think it could also help me feel like I am doing something instead of just sitting here powerless

I worry not only for myself and my country, but for the rest of the world as well.

I wish I had some words of reassurance, but I suppose all I can say is you're not alone, and there are millions of people who feel like us. I don't know if that helps, but right now it's the best that I can do.

Best wishes, and welcome to DU.

It does help to know I am not alone

My wife and I quit television commercials a little over a decade ago. We only watch DVDs and streaming services that have a no-commercials option.

That's reduced my own anxiety a lot.

Furthermore, I don't read a lot of news about shit I can't do anything about. Personally, I'm some sort of radical leftist and environmentalist, but I'm very practical and positive in my politics. The first President I campaigned for was Jimmy Carter and it was good to hang out with people who knew that the Republican Party was rotten even then.

I've realized over the years that most of my anxiety is organic. My mind goes hunting around for stuff to explain that anxiety. I try to convince myself not to do that, but that's not easy. Meds and therapy have helped.

but the therapist said she didn't think I needed talk therapy because she thought I was doing better but I don't do well without it. I tried to find a new therapist but most clinics have waiting lists. I told the Psychiatrist and she said she's going to talk to the therapist and recommend we start sessions again, but I am waiting to hear back.

But they sure don't mind tossing pills down my throat! Those they can give me before I leave the clinic, but actually seeing someone? Good freaking luck with that!!

I really, really, really don't think he will win. A lot of people that voted for him the first time, realize he's completely lost his mind now. I think Biden will win in a landslide, or many rethuglicans will not vote at all.

Welcome to DU!

I hope even more people start to wake up as time goes on

Between holiday depression, my already existing anxiety issues topped off with a growing fear of what's going to happen next November, I'm definitely in a very bad state.

I wish I had some suggestions. Hell, I had to take anxiety medication just to go out and buy a new cat tree. The store I was going to involves a long drive on a two lane road, through one of the reddest parts of the county. I could have taken the freeway but I'd developed an irrational fear of encountering distracted or road rage drivers. I can't even recharge my energy with sleep because I'm having really disturbing dreams, pretty much every night.

If it wasn't for my kidcats, I'd be a twitching mess of a human being. Well, the kidcats and reading or doing online jig saw puzzles. Concentrating on completing those temporarily refocuses my brain.

A bright spot is we, on DU, are here for each other.

and am also glad we all have each other to share with here.

Animals are a great help. I have a semi feral cat who lives in a shed outdoors who I was able to get spayed through a TNR program. I have it filled with straw so she has a warm space to sleep and I feed and water her everyday. She is not completely tame enough to bring inside but she has come to let me pet her and purrs when I do it. She does not let me pick her up though.

I also have a German Shepherd who is nearly five. He's in the house with me, and though he's not a trained therapy dog he acts like one a lot of times. I tell myself I have to keep battling the anxiety and depression for them because they need me, and for my older sister!

I also listen to audio books and play games on my phone for distraction.

Im sorry. I get it.

I turned the news off.

My dr said take steps to find out info and what is in your control. GOTV. Donate to Dems.
I play puzzle books from AARP.
I take deep breaths.
I do have benzos for anxiety.
Im trying not to extrapolate problems info the future. This is hard.
I watch my favorite YT videos

FWIW, I doubt Trump will ever be President again. Best of luck. Chronic anxiety is a bitch and it negatively affects my life.

work to help elect candidates who'd fight to protect our democracy. Speaking from experience in Sarasota, FL, which has become a center for fascist-lite, authoritarian grifters like Traitor Michael Flynn and Moms for Liberty founders Bridget and Christian Ziegler. (Google the latest news on the Zieglers--they're getting a good dose of comeuppance right now for their hypocritical grifting ways). It helps to get out and meet other people who are experiencing the same MAGA-induced stress you are.

Anyway, if you in college, join groups on campus, and in your community that raise hell about issues you worry about. Encourage voter registration. Stay strong, never give up, we need you.