Uncertainty. It’s a word that’s been used a significant amount this year. With the pandemic, the state of the world, and today’s U.S. presidential election, there have been and still remain a lot of unknowns. Politics can be an uncomfortable or even off-limits subject for many people, many families, many friendships. But, at the base of politics, there are simply people. Humans who need and crave reassurance and stability, who wish to live without fear or worry that what they care about and who they love will be jeopardized.
While we can’t predict or guarantee any outcomes, we need you to know something: Your well-being should never be up for debate.
It’s next to impossible to not feel anxious or even scared when it comes to seeing how the rest of 2020 will unfold. But within the waiting moments and the trying moments, there are opportunities for us to recognize what it is we can’t control and what it is we can. Something you can control right now is showing up for yourself and setting loving boundaries that encourage healing. Here are some suggestions:
- Drink water. Eat regularly. Take your medications (as directed).
- Get some sleep—take a nap, go to bed early, or sleep in if you can or need to.
- Move your body by going for a walk, doing yoga, or dancing to your favorite songs.
- Designate a phone-free time or space each day.
- Schedule a counseling session (use our FIND HELP Tool to find local counselors) or text with the Crisis Text Line Counselors (text TWLOHA to 741741) for free.
- Pick a few times each day to check the news from trusted sources. Let the rest of the day be for other things.
- Practice mindfulness through meditation, breathing exercises, and grounding techniques.
- Ask for what you need and speak up about how you’re feeling.
- Show up for a friend who might also be feeling the weight of this season: give them a call, send a heartfelt, honest letter, or surprise them by baking their favorite dessert.
No matter how small these gestures might feel, they are an impactful choice we get to make in advocating and caring for ourselves and those we love. And that’s where we find hope. That’s where we find love and support when the world is overwhelmed by uncertainty.
Today, tomorrow, and into next year—no matter what transpires in the coming days or weeks—we ask you to remember: You are not alone in this. You matter to us and we will face what comes next together.
Sean P Cook
Thank you for the reminder <3
Evelyn
Thank you for this amazing blog post. Much love.
Kimberly
I’m currently taking lexapro 10mg been on it for over a year now and I feel like they are not working. I been having a hard time lately, with my relationship, my life and overall happiness. I’m not suicidal but have thoughts that I know ill never act out on, but it still scares me, the feeling of loneliness and feeling no one cares has really been the top of everything going on. My relationship is not as happy as it once was, And that hurts, my life right now is boring and unhappy. I feel like I’m not happy with anything in my life. And I feel No matter how hard I try, I’m just not good enough.
TWLOHA
Hi Kim,
We’re so sorry to hear that you’re struggling right now. We hope you know it’s okay to feel the way you’re feeling and to even need an adjustment when it comes to your medication. Would you feel comfortable with contacting your doctor to talk about that? Healing is not linear, and it’s normal for our journeys to ebb and flow.
With Hope,
TWLOHA
Laney
Thank you. I needed this tonight.
Kathi McGough
I just lost my sister from a relapse with heroin which was almost certainly mixed with fentanyl. Her death was hard, but knowing that she died alone and that her body lay in her room for two days before being found makes it harder. She suffered from mental health issues, alcoholism and drug addiction. She was an amazing artist and expressed her pain through her drawings and paintings. She was my younger sister and I would give anything to talk with her one more time.
TWLOHA
Kathi,
We are incredibly sorry for your loss. Losing someone you love to suicide is heartbreaking. Your grief should be honored, and we hope we can support you through that process. Please know that you can reach out to us at [email protected] if you would like to share more or are simply in need of encouragement or help as you move through this chapter.
With Hope,
TWLOHA
Julie Junker
Thank you for your message.
Cayla
this really helped me calm down. it’s very soothing to me for some reason.
Danyell maldonado
My husband has a real problem he gets emotionally abusive… He hates to admit it but he’s a stone cold alcoholic. He has been hospitalized 3x for pancreatitis due to alcohol. We NEED HELP
TWLOHA
Danyell,
We are so sorry to hear that your husband is struggling with substance misuse and that you are being faced with trauma as a result. Please know that your husband is worthy of help and you are worthy of love and support. Would you email our team at [email protected] so we can provide you with some encouragement and help direct you toward resources?
Wtih Hope,
TWLOHA
NOYB
Someone donated money to your organization, shared it on Facebook. This person uses my depression diagnosis constantly behind the scenes to berate and verbally abuse me. Hypocrisy abounds.
TWLOHA
Danielle,
We are so sorry to hear that someone close to you belittles your experience with depression. We hope you know how valid your experience is and how much you deserve to be met with compassion. Everything we work to do is about creating a safe space for people to be honest about their mental health and to find the support they need. Please know you can always reach out to us at [email protected]. We are honored to know you, and we hope those around you begin to exude sympathy.
With Hope,
TWLOHA
Kim
Thank you