Those of us who are paying attention can all see what’s happening, not just in the U.S. but around the world. To be honest, watching the news or scrolling through social media these days feels less like staying informed and more like emotional dodgeball. And if you’re someone who already lives with CPTSD or any mental health condition for that matter, you’re not just dodging; you’re trying to do it while wearing a lead vest.

Let’s be real: The current political climate is wild.

Facts seem to shapeshift depending on who’s talking, and reality feels less like a shared experience and more like a group project where no one’s reading the same assignment.

So, what happens when people in power start twisting the truth, rewriting it, or flat-out gaslighting us? It’s not just frustrating, it’s disorienting. Worse still, it can shake our trust, our sense of safety, and make us feel like we’re living in an episode of Black Mirror… directed by someone who failed civics class.

Why Gaslighting Hits Like a Sucker Punch When You Have CPTSD

To start with, if you’ve got CPTSD, your nervous system is already that over-caffeinated intern in your brain yelling, “DANGER!” at everything from emails to eye contact. So naturally, when reality starts to feel off-kilter, when people deny things you know are true, it doesn’t just annoy you. It straight up triggers you.

It can bring up all the old stuff: being dismissed, ignored, and invalidated. Suddenly, you’re not just mad at a headline; you’re spiraling back to moments when no one believed you then, either.

That Urge to Speak Out? That’s Strength, Not Drama

So if you’re fired up to speak out, join a protest, or just post a well-timed meme with a spicy caption, that’s something to be proud of. After all, it means you still care. You still believe things can be better.

However, it’s important to take care of yourself when you do.

Yes, activism matters. But at the same time, if you’re dealing with trauma, CPTSD, or just a nervous system that’s had enough already, remember: protests and movements can be intense. Loud noises, crowds, unpredictability, it’s like your trauma’s greatest hits album.

That said, you don’t have to white-knuckle your way through anything to “prove” you care.

When the World Feels Like a Lot (Because It Is): Self-Care Tips

Feeling like everything’s on fire? Here’s your emergency emotional toolkit:

• First, acknowledge the chaos. “I’m feeling like I might scream into a pillow” is a valid emotional state.
• Next, take a break. Log off. Turn off the doomscroll. Pet a dog. Unfollow your uncle.
• Then, talk to your people. You know, the ones who listen and don’t respond with conspiracy theories.
• After that, ground yourself. Deep breaths. Ice cubes on your wrists. Five things you can see, hear, or touch. Bonus points if one is a snack.
• Write it out. Vent in a journal or into a Google Doc you never plan to share. Just get it out of your head.

Want to Get Involved Without Imploding? Yes, That’s a Thing

If you’re thinking about protests or speaking out, amazing. Just remember, don’t forget to plan like you’re packing for a road trip with anxiety riding shotgun. That means water, grounding tools, an exit plan, and a buddy you can ugly-cry in front of if needed.

On the other hand, if leaving the house feels like too much? You’re still valid. You can write, donate, advocate, or create. Because honestly, not all activism involves tear gas and handmade signs.

Healing and Speaking Out: You’re Allowed to Do Both

Bottom line? You don’t have to choose between protecting your peace and raising your voice. You’re allowed to heal and care deeply. You’re allowed to say, “I can’t today,” and come back to it tomorrow.

Just remember, take it one step at a time. Or one slow, awkward shuffle. Whatever works.

You’re not broken. You’re a person responding appropriately to a world that’s gotten real weird, real fast. It’s going to be a long 4 years. So yeah, remember it’s a marathon, not a sprint.

Note: This isn’t a political post. It’s a “keep your head on straight and your heart intact” post. Mental health doesn’t care who you vote for, it just wants you to stay okay.

Photo by Duncan Shaffer on Unsplash