Develop a Therapy Toolbelt: Nurturing Mental Health and Civic Engagement
In challenging times, taking care of your mental health while staying civically engaged is crucial. This comprehensive guide provides strategies to build resilience, find community, and maintain hope.
Connect with a Local Likeminded Community
One of the most powerful ways to maintain mental health while staying engaged is connecting with like-minded individuals. Here are some platforms to help you find your people:
- Red Wine and Blue: Find local in-person and virtual events
- Indivisible: Connect with local activist groups by searching your zip code
- Cat Ladies for America: Unique community engagement opportunities
- Signal Groups: Local people often organized on this platform. Ask around!
Inspiration and Motivation
Powerful Videos
- Activist and Inspiration Videos
Supporting Activists When You Can't Protest Directly
Meaningful Ways to Support
- Logistical Support
Educational Resources
Recommended Course
Create a Book Club:
- Theme: Truth-Seeker Themed Books
- On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder
- Defectors by Paola Ramos
- Siren's Call by Chris Hayes
- The Hidden History of American Oligarchy by Thom Hartmann
- King: A Life by Jonathan Eig
- Nonviolent Communication by Marshall Rosenberg, PhD
- How to Stand Up to a Dictator by Ruth Ben-Ghiat
- Hitler's People by Richard J. Evans
- Strongmen by Ruth Ben-Ghiat
- Surviving Autocracy by Masha Gessen
- Autocracy by Anne Applebaum
- Anatomy of Fascism by Robert Paxton
- Prequel by Rachel Maddow
- Pipeline to Power by Vicky Ward
- Patriot by Alexei Navalny
- Where Do We Go From Here? by Coretta Scott King
- The Road to Unfreedom by Timothy Snyder
- Theme: Empowerment and Resilience
Mental Health Strategies
Developing Your Personal Toolkit
- Self-Care Practices
- Emotional Resilience
- Support Resources
- Mental Health & Resilience
- Establish a Transcendental Meditation practice
- Create boundaries for news consumption
- Set up your personal support system
- Schedule regular digital detox periods
- Build your creative outlet routine
- Develop your self-care toolkit
Final Thoughts
Building a therapy toolbelt is about creating a sustainable approach to personal well-being and civic engagement. Remember, taking care of yourself is not a luxury—it's a necessity. By nurturing your mental health, you become more effective in creating positive change.
Your well-being is the foundation of your activism.
Disclaimer: Resources and links are current as of the time of writing. Always verify the most up-to-date information and seek professional guidance when needed.
Additional Resources: