Mental Health Awareness Month: Finding Stability in Uncertain Times

In today’s turbulent climate of political and economic instability, sustaining mental health has become increasingly difficult.

With May being Mental Health Awareness Month, many Americans feel overwhelmed, from rising costs due to new tariffs to the attack on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives launched by Donald Trump. Even the looming threat of wage garnishment for student loan borrowers has countless people on edge. Making matters worse, Trump wishes to end or, at a minimum, limit Section 8 housing for Americans in need.

When basic necessities like groceries and housing grow more expensive, stress levels naturally rise. Financial anxiety, especially for those still carrying student debt, can lead to sleepless nights, depression, and burnout. Knowing your paycheck might be docked at any moment only adds fuel to the fire.

In order to cope, you must first acknowledge that your feelings are valid. It’s normal to feel angry or powerless. Lean into supportive communities, whether online, at work, or in local groups. Limit your news intake when it becomes overwhelming. This can also include limiting your social media intake. Many news outlets have a presence on apps such as Instagram and TikTok. Scrolling can even be detrimental to your mental health. While this may mean you have to step away from your online communities, curating real-life connections, such as tapping back in with your close friends, can provide a safe space to decompress from the state of the world.

Ground yourself with small routines: a morning walk, journaling, or meditating. If possible, seek professional help. Teletherapy options are more accessible now than ever, thanks to companies such as BetterHelp, which offers licensed therapists from all over the country who can assist with a wide variety of issues.

Above all, give yourself grace. You don’t have to be productive every moment. Taking a day off to do nothing can be just as therapeutic. Staying in bed with a good movie or even allowing yourself a long overdue cry in bed can be a release to those who are struggling. In a world full of uncertainty, protecting your peace is not just self-care, it’s survival.