Alexie Garcia
The opening weeks of Trump’s second term in office have seen a flurry of actions from the White House that have left many across the country gasping for air- and understanding. In contrast to the relatively uneventful transition of Biden’s first weeks in office, the current administration let out an onslaught of actions that left people gasping for air.
From tariffs that would skyrocket prices in stores, to a widespread attack on DEI reaching from the federal government to companies like Google and McDonald’s, to a derisive attempt to end birthright citizenship; it’s impossible to not feel the effects of the new administration.
As astounding as this onslaught of actions from the president seems, it’s not entirely uncharacteristic, or unexpected. All voters in the 2024 were all previously exposed to the president’s temperament throughout his first term, where in the first month in office he placed an executive order banning travel to certain muslim countries, and his campaign wasn’t exactly “subtle.” But for many students and freshly 18 adults, this time period is foreign territory, considering the oldest of high-schoolers were only 10 years old in 2017.
The effects of the new administration’s objectives are far reaching and profound- rippling down the chain of Americans across the nation. The result can leave many feeling hopeless and at a loss of what to do.
In these troubling times, it’s more important than ever that we lean on resources and our support systems to ensure we continue to prioritize health and well-being. This may look like taking time to reach out to others on the phone or in person. It’s equally important to take time to be alone, and take time to do the things that make us feel good.
Mindfulness is the practice of being present in our environment and lives- to be present in all of the good, and all of the bad, that unfolds throughout our lives. This skill can be essential in managing stress and reducing anxiety and depression.
Ways to increase mindfulness include taking deep breaths, going on walks, and activities such as journaling, yoga, or meditation. Apps like Headspace and Calm are helpful in increasing daily mindfulness as well.
External resources are available too. It’s not up to the individual to always know how to help ourselves, and sometimes it’s important to let others help us too. The Trevor Project is a non profit organization that provides 24/7 hotlines and educational resources for LGBTQ+ youth. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) provides mental health support hotlines and assistance for people of all ages and backgrounds. The Los Angeles Department of Mental Health is the largest department in the nation dedicated to promoting the Mental Health of people across Los Angeles county.
By taking care of ourselves, it allows us to rise up in the face of adversity. From peaceful protests, staying informed on what’s going on, and advocating for the rights of ourselves and those who don’t have the luxury of being able to speak out, all of these things require us to be in a stable mental and physical state. Taking time to rest is one of the most crucial and underemphasized steps in fighting back.
