The Political Climate in the USA: A Call for Change and Action
Let’s be honest—the political situation in the U.S. right now is pretty tough to digest. Every day, we’re faced with a wave of social injustices, environmental disasters, and a growing sense of authoritarianism. It’s hard to stay hopeful when it feels like so much of what we’re fighting for—basic human rights, safety, and dignity—is being threatened.
The Right-Wing Agenda and Its Damage
It’s clear that the far-right is gaining ground, rolling back hard-won progress on everything from reproductive rights to climate change. We’re seeing constant attacks on bodily autonomy, with state governments pushing for abortion bans and restricting gender-affirming care. These aren’t just political moves—they’re direct attacks on people’s basic rights and freedoms. It’s frustrating and heart-wrenching to watch.
On top of that, we’ve got a relentless push for deregulation, which just keeps feeding the rich while leaving everyone else to fend for themselves. The economic divide in this country is wild, and instead of focusing on the well-being of everyday people, too many politicians are still cutting taxes for the ultra-wealthy while letting working-class folks struggle to make ends meet.
Racial Justice and Social Justice: The Fight is Far From Over
The fight for racial justice and equality remains critical, but let’s be real—it’s an uphill battle. The criminal justice system continues to disproportionately target Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), and lawmakers are still trying to strip away voting rights and make it harder to access basic healthcare. While some progress has been made, the systemic racism that runs through our society is undeniable.
At the same time, LGBTQ+ rights are being attacked—especially the rights of trans folks. Conservative lawmakers are pushing harmful bills that undermine the dignity and safety of trans individuals, particularly trans youth. These aren’t just abstract political issues—they’re life-and-death matters for many in our communities.
The Economy: A System That’s Rigged
The economy is a mess. Inflation, skyrocketing healthcare costs, and job insecurity make it harder for people to live with any dignity, while the wealthiest Americans keep getting richer. Meanwhile, the cost of living is constantly climbing, and wages are staying stagnant. Corporate greed is running rampant, and it’s time we demand an economy that works for everyone—not just the top 1%.
The Climate Crisis: Time’s Running Out, and We Need Action
Let’s face it—the climate crisis is here. The wildfires, hurricanes, and droughts we’re seeing are the direct results of years of environmental negligence. Unfortunately, the political leadership in place isn’t doing nearly enough to fix it. Fossil fuel industries are profiting off the destruction of our planet, and this fight is intimately tied to racial and economic justice. Marginalized communities are bearing the worst of it, and they deserve better.
Facing the Reality of Current Leadership
A lot of people are understandably anxious about what’s ahead with the current leadership. It’s hard not to be worried when policies are being pushed that undermine the rights of so many people, especially those in marginalized communities. But even though it’s tough right now, we can’t let that stop us from fighting for what’s right.
While the government may choose to ignore the needs of the most vulnerable, it’s up to us to keep pushing for a better world. Whether it’s organizing, volunteering, donating, or just being there for others, every effort counts. Yes, the road ahead is daunting, but we’ve faced challenges before, and we’ve always come out stronger on the other side. Keep your focus on the work that matters, take care of yourself, and remember—we’re still going to be here, no matter what happens.
What Does This Mean for Us in Therapy?
In these turbulent times, it's no surprise that politics are weighing heavily on many of us. With all the changes in leadership and policies, it's natural to feel strong emotions—anger, fear, frustration. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, and these feelings can impact your personal life, relationships, and work.
As a therapist, I encourage you to pause and reflect on how these political shifts are affecting you. If you're feeling anxious about the future, frustrated with the system, or disconnected from those who don’t share your views, that’s totally valid. Therapy can be a safe space to process these emotions, understand where they're coming from, and explore how they align with your values and goals.
You might be wondering about confidentiality in our sessions—I'm all about giving you control over what’s documented in your notes. If something feels uncomfortable to have recorded, just let me know, and I can usually leave it out. If there are legal or insurance-related reasons that require specific documentation, I’ll only include what's absolutely necessary to show that the services were needed.
If the current political climate is affecting your mental health, I’m here to support you. Let’s talk about what’s going on, whether it’s anger, fear, or frustration, and find ways to cope with these feelings. We'll also explore how to channel your activism into positive action and address any burnout or stress you might be dealing with.
If you're in Ohio and ready to dig deeper into how the political landscape is affecting you, I’d love to help. Book a consultation today, and we can work together to process your emotions, find ways to stay grounded, and navigate these turbulent times with a clear mind and a steady heart. Therapy is a place to reflect, grow, and heal—and I’m here to support you every step of the way.
