Anxiety

[BadgerMom]

Since Friday I’ve been feeling extraordinarily anxious. While there are some personal issues that could affect me, this anxiety is fed by Trump’s G-7 antics, the absence of Republican checks and balances, the end of net neutrality, the horrible treatment of families at the border and today’s SC decision. I’m feeling as though the noose is tightening and that there is no way out. November is far away and Russia, this administration and these Republicans will do everything possible to defeat us. They no longer seem people with different opinions. Some of them seem actually evil.

How are all of you coping? I’d step away, but I don’t know that this doesn’t pervade our nation so thoroughly that I’m not certain setting down my phone will help.

Thanks for reading my sad tale. And I apologize because I know this state of mind and it’s expression can harm others’ ability to productively resist this.

[LuckyCharms]

1. I cope with fierce anger and biting sarcasm...

but that does not seem to help. I verbally humiliate Trumpers every chance I get, so I'm sure I'll get shot someday.

I have developed sleep problems and an as of yet unexplained tremor issue.

I have a feeling the above is due to the unresolved rage I have over what my country has become.

You are not alone.

[BadgerMom]

4. Thanks.

It’s actually helpful to hear I’m not alone. Rage is my go-to reaction since 11/16. I think it’s healthier. Events are coming at a fast and furious pace the lad few days.

[BigmanPigman]

2. I am more depressed than anxious.

I need to watch some old comedies to distract myself.

[BadgerMom]

3. There's an idea.

And depression is sorta rolled into my feelings. The attack on the ACA is another reason.

[smirkymonkey]

5. I find watching old screwball comedies to be a great relief.

Actually, any kind of period piece is helpful and transporting. I even watched Disney's "Pollyanna" this past weekend and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was pure escapism. I especially love films from the 30's and 40's.

[BadgerMom]

11. Thanks.

I can do that!

[smirkymonkey]

18. I like the old Thin Man films w/ William Powell and Myrna Loy, although they

aren't really screwball comedies. I also like The Awful Truth with Cary Grant and Irene Dunne. Another one of my favorites which is late 50's/early 60's is Charade w/ Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant. There are tons of old films I love, but if you have a favorite actor/actress or genre, let me know and I can give you recommendations.

I also love the more modern adaptations of the Jane Austen and Bronte sister's novels - Emma, Pride and Prejudice, Persuasion, Sense and Sensibility, Northanger Abbey, Manchester Park, Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, etc. Anything that transports me to another period in time, especially if the scenery and settings are beautiful, just takes me away from the modern world and all it's problems.

I know how you feel. Sometimes I just need to get away from the news and indulge in pure fantasy. Take care of yourself!

[malaise]

17. Game shows too

Comedy is also very good - I find the old Carol Burnett shows and howl with laughter

[smirkymonkey]

19. Yes, that's also helpful. Anything older and more lighthearted helps.

Good suggestions!

[Wounded Bear]

6. You know, I can hardly watch comedy any more...

and certainly not much of what passed as comedy from the last 10-15 years.

Perhaps old comedies is the answer.

[BigmanPigman]

7. I find that This Is Spinal Tap cures my woes temporarily.

I have a drawer full of them from the 1930s to the present. I have found them helpful during these dark times.

[Nay]

25. That's been true for me for years -- just can't watch comedies. I DO agree that older

comedic stuff is more fun to watch. But shit, nothing's funny anymore, frankly.

[thbobby]

26. I watched The First World War documentary

from Amazon last night to distract myself. The condition of the world reminds me of WW1. Dynasties in power. Clueless leaders. Arms production gone amuck. Ignorance about the horrors of war (it seems that when there is no major war in recent memory the reality of war is forgotten and now the only domestic horrors of war are endured by a volunteer military of mostly poor people). In wars of long ago, there was little coverage of battlefield horror but now reality is just labeled as fake news.

[Loryn]

8. I have had anxiety since childhood.

I can usually deal with it through excercise, meditation, walking on the beach, etc. I have been on medication since the beginning of the year, and still feel like my bones are going to jump out of my skin.

I am afraid, and can't seem to get a handle on it.

I hear you BadgerMom.

[BadgerMom]

12. Good to be heard. Thanks.

[malaise]

9. Please exercise - walk, ride, swim

or just basic calisthenics. We all need exercise to keep our stress levels in normal times, let alone in these times.

You can read a book or watch some light stuff. Don the Con is stressing out folks across our planet.

[BadgerMom]

13. You're right. Movement helps.

Usually my husband walks the dogs, but he's out of town. I'm in charge and it makes me feel better. I think a yoga class would be good, too.

[malaise]

16. Yoga is very good

Enjoy

[Amaryllis]

10. You are not alone at all. I have Freedom and Leechblock to limit my time on DU.

I have completely blocked Edge, which came with Windows 10 and can't be disabled, but Freedom blocks it. Very happy I found a way to outsmart Microsoft. I have LeechBlock set to block DU on Firefox except for the three hours a day I allow myself access, and I only allow myself 45 minutes during that time, although if it's a heavy news day, sometimes I cheat and add time, but I can only do that during the three hour time slot when I have access. This has helped me hugely. I don't find other political news nearly as addictive as DU.

I make a conscious effort to do things for others - that helps a lot.

And to get outside, do things with friends, and use every spiritual tool in my bag.
And listen to uplifting TED talks.

And I joined a community choir three years ago on the recommendation of a friend who said it's a good antidote for depression and anxiety, which I have dealt with my whole life anyway. But it takes a whole lot more vigilance now. And the choir helps hugely- keeps me up for about 24 hours.

[BadgerMom]

14. Those are good ideas, Amaryllis.

Thank you.

[bdamomma]

15. You are not alone

BadgerMom, since last Friday I have been on edge too. I weep for my country, my non American husband said it is sad. This POS definitely insults my intelligence. There is a deep divide in the States now. But that was orchestrated by Miller, Bannon, Putin the filthy Republican party of traitors, and of course the moron in charge.

I just back away from the news especially on the weekends it's respite for my mental state.

[Tavarious Jackson]

20. I had night terrors of my youngest son being deported

I am black but my youngest son who is 15 looks Mexican. We are all American citizens nevertheless, I have woke up on more than one occasion looking for his birth certificate and passport. A nightmare of the school calling ICE.

[BadgerMom]

23. My brother and sister-in-law

signed documents allowing them to become guardians of their one-time nanny’s son, a US citizen. It’s heartbreaking.

[nancy1942]

21. I've never been as depressed in my entire life.

I'm 76 and I've seen a lot of bad things happen, but what is going on now is the absolute worst. To see the country going down the drain and our politicians sitting there and DOING NOTHING is the ultimate nightmare come true. I cannot stand it. So much sheer evil and it appears that half the country is just fine with it. Good God. It's just unbearable.

[Garrett78]

22. "They no longer seem people with different opinions."

I started a thread ('One big reason why most Trump supporters simply can't be reached') about this not long ago. This is what I wrote:

The "alternate reality" is real.

It's one thing to disagree about the cause and effect nature of various facts. It's one thing to disagree about the appropriate response to various facts.

But flat-out denying facts (while simultaneously inventing or buying into utter falsehoods) is a whole other ballgame. That's what we're up against, and it isn't going to change anytime soon.

And you can give up on the idea that presenting facts will bring people around. As a Boston Globe article made clear years ago, presenting facts actually backfires.

Inspire and motivate the base, raise hell about race-based voter suppression and gerrymandering, put some time and energy into youth turnout, and just outnumber the opposition. Forget about reaching across the aisle, and "fight dirty." Someday, perhaps, some semblance of sanity will return to the opposition party (be it the Republican Party or a new party). For now, though, Democrats just have to win. Our species and other species need Democrats to win.

[CousinIT]

24. I know I feel much more anxiety than at any other time

since the Orange Sphincter was shoved into OUR house by Russia.

So does my poor old Mom (90), she's utterly in shock over what's going on. She lived through the Great Depression and has never seen this country in such a mess.

[bronxiteforever]

27. One of my friends who I greatly admire

Is upbeat and optimistic. He is now a retired physician. He devotes his life to the service of immigrants. I asked him where he gets his motivation. He said that it is in a saying in the Talmud that goes whoever saves a single life saves the whole world.

So, while I don’t have the demeanor of my optimistic friend or his ethnic and religious inheritance, I do some volunteer work every week to save a single person. Maybe that is the key to get through this darkness.

I believe the assault on normative behavior by the GOP is an attempt to dehumanize us into some sort of obedience and hatred of the other. That is worth all the efforts we have to resist. Paralysis of our conscience is what they seek. There are plenty of good souls out there, find them and nourish your soul on the best of humanity. Peace.