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Applauding the Blues

Flowers provide me with a great deal of pleasure.  

They remind me that there is hidden beauty to be found, even when things appear bleak.

Acrylic on Canvas/ Gold Frame/ 19.25" by 23.5"/ $ 495

A Desire to Better

A kind and supportive board member approached me as I left my job at OMSI says that he would like to invest in whatever business I choose to found.  When I mentioned that my reason for leaving the museum was to start an educational toy catalog he invested $ 200,000. I asked him why he was willing to offer such amazing support and he answered that others helped him get started and it was time to pass the favor on.

I  thought about this angel investor as I sat catorgorizing and analyzing 200 requests for prayers. Each week the lay ministers at the UU Church collect these statements of intention, hope, and pleas for help.  I wanted to better understand the concerns people have and see if there were other ways to help them than by praying. More than half the requests were centered around illness, divorce or death of a close friend or family member. Many mentioned drug or alcohol abuse by a child or spouse.  Parents talked of the loneliness they feel now that their children have left home or moved out of town. A few were worried that their 19 and 20 year olds would not  become mature enough to leave home. There were several categories, however, that  surprised me greatly.

Quite a few members wanted us to pray for them to be better people.  I find it difficult to understand how the prayers of a stranger can possibly help them become a better person but am warmed to know they have a desire to be so.  Another group wanted outlet, a place to share warm feelings of gratitude. They reminded me of my benefactor for they seem happy and satisfied yet are searching for communal ways express thanks for the good things that brought them joy.  

The requests I found most distressing were those asking for help because of political angst. War, environmental issues, distrust, the political divide, and violence were high on their list of worries. They write of being burdened by a heavy heart. Though they have moments of happiness, they can not rid themselves of an overwhelming feeling of sadness caused by the state of political turmoil.

Political Anxiety was coined to describe the stressful emotions people have due to political situations. Though not an official mental health diagnosis, it is real cause of depression. Both Republicans and Democrats report increased stress among their members due to the divided political climate raging throughout the United States. It is problematic when the administration is perceived as unpredictable and dangerous or when policies of the party in power oppose their own strongly held beliefs. People worrying about the negative impact of new policies, about repercussions form overturned laws, and they feel anxious at not being able to predict future. Though their general angst may be based in fact (today there are more hate crimes against minorities), there are instances when their fears are overblown (the likelihood of being hit by a nuclear bomb). In both situations, there is a tendency to see the opposing party’s views as those of an enemy.  

Political anxiety is known to cause stress, insomnia, nightmares, digestive issues, headaches, feeling unsafe, and muscle tension.  Serious, more lasting, health issues can occur when overall feeling anxiousness is left untreated.

What do therapists recommend to help overcome political anxiety? Get involved is their first answer. Becoming active in community affairs and working to bring about change reduces feelings of helplessness. Voting, participating in protests, joining organizations, volunteering are a few ways to show support.  Activism as a form of self-care reduces stress. It is especially effective when combined with exercise, meditation, yoga, and massage.

Since negativity does little to raise the spirit why dwell on fears of what might or might not occur? Learning how to turn your attention towards beauty and happiness will build an internal supply of energy to overcome adversity. Acknowledging acts kindness, seeing blooms in nature, and recognizing joy, will light a candle in the darkest of moments. Where do I find joy?

I pay attention to the change of seasons, to birds singing to attract a mate, and to children chatting as they walk home from school. Sitting in a parked car during a downpour makes me feel safe. I find it comforting to watch and hear the rain everywhere except in my bubble. How fortunate I am to not live in sub-Saharan Africa with limited water to drink or spread on crops. I am fortunate.

When I am happy, I want everyone to share my good fortune. When the gratitude gene kicks it puts people on a path to goodness. My investor showed me how much fun it was to help young adults achieve their goals. He demonstrated his compassion and a willingness to share a part of himself. His primary gift was not one of money, but rather of caring.

Prayer requests have taught me that to be a better person self-care must come first.  Acknowledging good while working to overcome bad is second. Lastly, and most important for those who hav lived well, is a willingness to share time, wisdom, and resources. Asking for prayers to be a better person, won’t make it so, but a conscious choice to help those you love will. 

References

Political Anxiety,( 2018) GoodTherapy. retrieved from https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychpedia/political-anxiety