Mental Health Monday: Whatever You’re Feeling, Don’t Feel It Alone

I’ve been feeling election anxiety.

I know I’m not alone in this. I’m thinking of you, too — all people who will read this. I know some of you by name; others will just stumble upon this post. I am thinking of all of us and each of us.

It’s a physical anxiety I feel, one that is somehow present and up-to-date, and one that feels old, connected to the past. Time is co-mingling. I’m sure I’m not alone in this either. This kind of anxiety used to be a hallmark in my physiology, but it’s been a long time since I’ve felt this.

It’s not buckling me over. Daily life is still happening. And I’m finding things to delight in, just like typical me. But I feel this. This election is too close for me to be comfortable, especially with so much at stake. Between you and me, I actually think Kamala Harris will win. But I don’t know that. And I wish I could know that. And even if she does win, I think conditions on the ground and in some people’s hearts are dangerous. At a rally, Donald Trump recently said, “I am your retribution!” Why wouldn’t some of those people choose to be his retribution? Especially when we’ve seen them do it before?

Things feel unpredictable.

So I’ll share this: I am connected to an incredible community called Farm Church in Durham, North Carolina. I appreciate something that those community members often say to each other: “Whatever you’re feeling, don’t feel it alone.”

I think that’s a good message for a Mental Health Monday. Whatever you’re feeling, don’t feel it alone. Thanks for reading my feelings this morning. I hope you feel less alone in yours too.

— Renee Roederer