I feel like I am fighting for my life in this current economic and political landscape. There have been huge layoffs in the sector I work in, and everyone I know seems to be struggling. I really try not to get overwhelmed or let it get me down, but it’s getting increasingly hard to stay positive when the world feels like it is crashing down around me.
What are we all doing to stay sane and positive at the moment?
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I’m not about toxic positive in the face of turmoil.
For me, I’m fueled on spite. I’m going to keep going in spite of this political and economic hellscape. I’m not going to give them the satisfaction of winning when their goal is to destroy anyone who isn’t like them politically, socioeconomically, culturally, genetically.
I’m helping out in my community more. I volunteer for food banks and spread the word about food distribution events that’s free and available to anyone, no questions asked.
I’m working out more to stay healthy and maybe defend myself against people who would try to attack me physically.
I try to buy produce and other things locally. I’d love to start a community garden.
Yes.
Our house (and entire neighborhood) burned down in January, we barely escaped with our family, pets, and basically the clothes on our backs.
The political situation is a nightmare for reasons too numerous to list here and I’m sure you understand. As a two mom family with a young daughter we feel particularly vulnerable.
My wife was laid off about a month after the fire.
Right now we’re just putting one foot in front of the other, trying to keep our heads above water, and making extremely dark jokes.
To stay positive right now, I’m focusing on little things because the big things are overwhelming. We have a nice kitchen in our rental and I’ve been doing some baking. Trying to get outside and feel the sunshine as often as possible. Doing little art projects with my kiddo. Petting the cats and being grateful they’re alive (so many neighbors lost their cats). Getting together with our neighbors to just chat, feel our feelings, have a drink and spend time together. IDK man I wish I had more for you, but it’s the little happy moments in life that are getting me through right now.
Yes we are just because one dumbass thinks he’s king. Personally, I’m focusing on things I can control and finding gratitude in the fact that my job is stable and my family/friends are being supportive.
I lost my paycheck yesterday, it slipped out of my jacket pocket and I feel like an idiot. Yes, we’re all really going through it. My mind is a mess. I did take time to go see a movie solo last weekend and I think I may do that tonight.
Do you live in America? Bc we voted in a fascist as president and he’s doing everything he said he would. Get ready for a dystopian society bc that’s what he wants. Figure out ways to survive without money…trade, skills, etc. find a way to be happy without money. In a way…not the way fascists want it to work, but no money is forcing us to sink or swim and true happiness is the only way to swim…and that will help uplift everyone in the long run.
Yes I’m struggling a lot. I was laid off last year and it’s just been awful, rent is extremely high in my area and I’m struggling to pay for basic things. I feel hopeless a lot of the time.
I feel we’ve all been struggling for longer than 5 months but he’s
Yes. I know lots of political turmoil is happening. I’m not in the US but I’m in Canada and obviously opinions migrate. I’ve definitely been feeling like I have to be more guarded and suspicious of others because of the amount of hate people have within them coming to the surface.
I’m grateful my job and education has not been affected, and most likely will not due to the essential nature of it. I have my health and my friends.
A lot of family issues boiling up that I can’t help with which breaks my heart. Work is putting pressure on me for a position I don’t know if I’m fit for or want. I am pursuing lemon law on my truck that is always in the shop for repairs so pursuing my hobbies is tough (kayaking). My knee is still not fully healed since last September which has me slowing down on my gym progress and outdoor activities. My husband is without a job and hunting for one. Politics are the wild Wild West.
I think we all need a big hug.
I have to find the moments of joy. Biggest form of resistance in times like these.
Whether it is listening to music, watching an inspiring movie, reading a book, volunteering, exercising, walking my dogs, or little moments of peace/quiet. Seems silly but I bought a suncatcher for my window downstairs and the vibes in the morning have been relaxing, magical and whimsical. Simple but I find joy in it.
Be in the moment.
Struggling a lot. I’m not in America, not even close but the issues we face are pretty much the same.
We can’t feel safe about our future in this world anymore. I am a computer engineer, I did my master’s in the best university in my country, continuing my phd, and also I have been working full time as an AI developer since I graduated from university. From outside, things seem pretty well but I don’t feel safe at all. Economy is going downhill, our jobs are not secure anymore thanks to AI (yeah it’s true, I’m in the industry and I can say this for sure) and there is war around the world, literally. It’s just scary, I don’t know..
Oh boy, yes, I’m certainly going through it… I’ve been trying my best to focus on what is in my control.
For me, that is my garden. I’m growing a lot of vegetables this year.
Im right there with you, and I’m in Canada. As someone who cares deeply for the environment, what Trump is doing to protected land in the US (thus what will happen to wildlife) is really causing me anxiety and grief. Dont get me wrong my heart also breaks for all the people affected too! Its just all too much. Also we have a really important federal election here on Monday to see if we elect Trump Jr., if he wins I dont know how i will have any hope left at all.
My worry too is even if we get rid of trump, what’s next? Not to sound too “woke” haha, but this late stage capitalism just isn’t sustainable both socially and environmentally. We need a complete change of societal and economic structure if we plan on having any type of liveable future.
Okay sorry I am done being a negative nancy! Hopefully there are others here who have more helpful tips hahah.
Yes. We’re in construction and it’s slowed down for us and our trade associates. I don’t know how long it will last but we’ve been struggling to pay ourselves in full and on time since January. One of our real estate projects closes next week so the lump sum will be welcome and I will pay off any debt and hold on to the rest as long as I can. Meanwhile I’m not sure whether to proceed on building a small house for sale or not as I don’t want to over leverage myself if we end up in an official recession. And if I don’t, then what to do itm for income is the question.
This is how I am managing it:
I know it is going to get a lot worse. The vision is for us to get a lot, lot, lot poorer. We will have a recession or a depression. Our dollar has lost 10% of it’s value.
We are becoming a theocratic dictatorship and women are supposed to stop working and obey their husbands, according to the White House faith office.
Enjoy what we have right now as it will certainly get a lot worse, and the fight will really start. Keep your friends close to you.
I tackle very difficult situations like this by diving head first into them to get to acceptance as fast as possible so I can stop reacting as a deer in headlights. If you are paralyzed you cannot act, and if your solution to fear and paralysis is to pretend it isn’t that bad or stick your head in the sand, you’ll be in constant state of paralysis because it will keep getting worse. Additionally, you could go crazy if you keep avoiding reality.
Also going through it, mostly due to personal stuff but the political climate isn’t helping. I feel lucky to be alive and not starving though. To be honest I think Americans have been somewhat spoiled and this is real life now, this is what life is like for the rest of the world. Although I wish our culture wasn’t so soulless.
I honestly don’t know what I will do. I have a decent amount of debt and not much savings. People keep telling me too bad or that is my own problem, but it isn’t like everyone else will be just fine if they lose their job.
I have had a few people tell me start throwing everything at the debt. I feel like I should be saving what I can in coffee cans under my bed.
My industry is in decline. Not that my skills aren’t useful, but a lot of companies are waiting to see if AI can do the work I do. I felt safe for the rest of my career (10 more years) but I doubt it now.
I read if you leave your job after 55 there are situations where you can access some of your retirement penalty free. I have started hoping I die younger like my own mother, so I don’t have to rely on anyone else for support.
I’m working hard to become more civically active. I’ve started volunteering, I’m getting more involved in local politics, and I’m making connections within my community. I am an active participant in local clubs, and take joy in the friendships I’ve built there. I’m currently growing way too many tomato plants with the intention of setting up a table at the street to give away plants to my neighbors. I’m leaning on having fun with friends and family and making sure to be present in the moment. Working on building and maintaining community has been a godsend for me.
Yup, I was laid off last year. My mom is now going through some health issues. And of course I have to live in America. Everything sucks! And that’s ok to say
Yes. I make really good money. I’ve worked hard all my life, and now I am in a position to enjoy the rewards of that. Now my money barely covers daily living expenses, and my retirement is prob going to be pushed back another 5 years. I just really can’t even.
Oh yeah. I just moved cross country for my husband’s job and we are so freaking happy where we moved, but I’ve been struggling to find a job. I interviewed for the county a month ago, but they take forever just to tell you if you got the position or not. I’ve had some bad mental health days because the boredom of being unemployed is so real, even if you are actively applying for jobs.
Yep.
Yep. Divorce. Looking for job. It’s been bleak
It’s a rollercoaster for me.
Personally, my life is the best it’s ever been. For the first time, it feels like everything in my life is falling into place perfectly.
I feel like I’m on cloud 9 in one moment, and the next, I’m hurt and angry at the world and bawling my eyes out. I’m happy but with so so much anger that I don’t know what to do with.
I’ve been going to protests, and that’s been helping. When I walk up to a protest and see a huge group of people who feel the same way I do and are taking action, I almost cry every time. I was sick for 2-3 weeks and didn’t go to some of the regular protests I’ve been attending and it put me in a dark place.
I’m also in a big layoff sector right now (pharma), my dad had a quadruple bypass yesterday, and I keep thinking about what I’m doing in the parallel universe where Trump wasn’t elected.
Going to go for a walk to pick up my kid from school later- spring time is the big plus right now.
YES. Panick attacks started when immigrants with no criminal history here legally started being disappeared. EXISTENTIAL crisis through the roof. No appetite, sleeping too much, paralyzing panic when awake. Got a therapist, got on 2 antidepressants, was already taking 1. Still struggling but able to function more. Many medical professionals I’ve met in the past month have assured me I’m not the first, and not alone.
Yep, I think we are all collectively struggling. Find community and take care of each other. It’s unfortunately going to get worse before it gets better.
Today I asked my 75-year-old father to cancel his upcoming visit because crossing the border for anyone is too much of a gamble right now. I’m like, how do I just do chores and work while living in a place where it doesn’t feel safe for family to visit? But also my husband got laid off and it’s really hard out there right now so I have to keep my job and ahhhhhhhh
So what I’m saying is, I think it’s all of us.
What are we all doing to stay sane and positive
My friend, we are not staying sane or positive.
You and me both, girl! You tell me my duty is to be fruitful and multiply, you can bet I’ll be down at the rescue shelter adding to my cat herd! Even before the world went down the shitter, I detested the assumption that it was my greatest ambition to be a wife and mother. This administration just made me lean in my single and childfree status like it was a lifesaver. And in my state, it likely would be because terminations of any type, natural or otherwise are fully investigated by the police
Nothing. Just cry it out.
I’m literally surrounded by stuffed animals in my sleep for comfort. Otherwise I’m just kind of building puzzles and doing little art projects to make my mind off of what feels like the inevitable.
Yes. Every day is a struggle. I’m battled with depression and trauma and other issues for decades, but I’ve never felt like this. It’s awful
> What are we all doing to stay sane and positive at the moment?
Weed, mostly.