General Discussion

Everyone I know is anxiety ridden. If you care at all, how can you help it? The tentacles have reached deep into American society, touching everyone. Antidotes work best when applied daily--to counter the daily outrages. Coping mechanisms look different for different people, but we are all victims in a very big game, where the rules are broken and the future is uncertain. Our sense of security and faith in good principles (not necessarily organized religion) has been lost. We must guard against developing a victim mentality.

"Practice some kind of activity to calm ourselves and claim our peace" -- yes! Even in the midst of turmoil we can claim our rightful peace--even if it comes in small increments. Even if it means rearranging tight schedules. Even if it involves a chemical boost, especially helpful to those not practicing mindfulness or other anxiety-coping strategies. There are some effective natural (non-chemical) remedies to explore. Regular exercise, of course helps. Creative activities help.

I would add that some form of direct action, some non-violent pushback, is empowering. No effort is too small. Helps a lot with with anger management. Why turn the other cheek, only to get it slapped again? It's useful to have a place to put anxiety and anger outside oneself, rather than directing it inward or toward significant others. Processing this kind of pain is super challenging. Outrage is honest and appropriate and should be acknowledged, especially since this pain is inflicted by those we empowered to work FOR us, but who are only working for themselves and their friends. Betrayal of the public trust is the ultimate insult.

We need to join with allies, kindred spirits, compatriots, to fight back. "Fight back" can mean 1000 things. Just resolving not to be silent, especially when provoked, takes courage. Silence in the face of this assault is complicity. DO something, anything, to avoid accepting victimization.