Has the decision to overturn Roe v. Wade worsened your anxiety? If so, you’re not the only one. There are plenty of people across the nation who feel just as anxious as you do. But that doesn’t make it any easier to cope.
In difficult times, it’s more important than ever to take care of yourself. So, is there anything you can do to cope with your anxiety over the Roe v. Wade decision? Of course, there is. Not every coping mechanism works for everyone, but there’s no better way to find out what works for you than to try them out. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Take a Moment for Yourself
It can be hard to find a moment to breathe these days. But it’s important to sit down and take stock of your own emotions, particularly when going through a tough time. It’s difficult when you’re anxious because you might be tempted to find a distraction and ignore your anxiety. But being able to sit with your feelings, whatever they may be, will be more helpful to you in the long run. Sitting with your own anxiety is hard, but if you allow yourself to sit with your feelings, you’ll be able to start processing them.
Of course, sometimes you won’t be able to sit with them for long, for whatever reason. That’s okay. Be patient with yourself and take breaks whenever you need them. It can be hard to carry out your routine at a slower pace, but that might be exactly what you need right now.
Find an Outlet
Of course, feeling your emotions is not enough. Finding an outlet can be a helpful way to deal with your anxiety, but you might not know where to start. If there are any outlets that have helped you in the past, don’t be afraid to revisit them. If something brought us comfort in the past, it’s likely to bring us comfort in the present. If you used to keep a journal as a way to let it all out, then don’t be afraid to do that again. Writing down your thoughts and feelings can certainly be cathartic. But there are other outlets you can explore, too.
For anxiety, movement is recommended. Next time you feel overwhelming anxiety, you can try going for a walk or a jog. Maybe visit the park and take a moment to breathe. Whatever keeps you moving is helpful.
Alternatively, you could try something more creative, like art or music. There’s nothing quite like focusing on a drawing to keep your mind off more painful topics. And there’s nothing quite like listening to your favorite song and getting lost in the familiar beats.
Avoid Social Media
Social media isn’t inherently bad. If you think that using social media is helping you, then feel free to continue using it. But if you find that it’s harming your mental health, then don’t be afraid to stay away for as long as you need. People might be talking about the decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, and that might only make you more anxious. It’s okay to take a step back if too much social media exposure is harming you.
It’s important to stay informed and to stay in touch with your friends. But it’s also important to take your mental health into consideration. If too much social media is only worsening your anxiety, then it might be time to substitute it with one of those outlets that help ground you.
Seek Support
During difficult times, it’s more important than ever to avoid isolation. Finding a community isn’t easy, especially given the sensitive nature of the Roe v. Wade decision, but you’re not alone. You might have friends or family members that you trust to talk about this. Reach out to them if you can. They probably need the support just as much as you do.
But if that’s not enough, it’s okay. There’s nothing wrong with getting professional help when you need it, and this certainly qualifies. You don’t have to cope with this alone, so don’t be afraid to schedule an appointment for anxiety therapy.
