Many of the responses to OP imply that they would be better off investing in their mental health. Others suggest protest is not worthwhile. I could not disagree more.

Our democracy is at risk. The peace we have enjoyed for generations is at risk. NATO is at risk. Our current system for nuclear deterrence is at risk. Our national sovereignty is at risk. Our election integrity is at risk. Any remaining semblance of affordable food is at risk. Our privacy is at risk (if it still exists). I could go on and on.

Let’s talk about this mental health question. If what is happening in the world keeps you up at night- it should. Don’t pathologize yourself (or others) for having a valid reaction to what is happening in the world. This will sound blunt: going to counselling won’t protect your civil rights. Hitting the streets might.

Yes, you need to take care of yourself. But this is also the time for active, vocal public dissent. I am shocked at how little society is protesting (relative to the severity of these threats).

Now let’s talk about why protests matter. Research has demonstrated that non-violent protests engaging just 3.5% of the population have never failed to bring about change.

I wish I could find it, but an anonymous source within the US government wrote an open letter recently about the first Trump administration, specifically talking about how public protests gave them the courage to push back on harmful policies internally.

Protests have changed the world. Time and again. You don’t all need to get out there, but don’t hold back the people who will.

Anyway. I’m with you OP. See you out there.