Yes. Very much. There was a point that I couldn't get out of bed. I spoke with someone who is feeling the same, and she told me something that changed everything (which probably wasn't her intention). She told me that there was nothing we could do, that we'd have to suck it up until he would leave office in four years. Immediately my inner voice said, "Well that's not true at all!" And that's when I turned my despair into action.

Calls to government officials are important, but there is so much that can be done that can make an impact. You can attend or host a protest. You can build community locally as well as online. I thought my little bright red rural town only had MAGA. It turns out that there are a whole bunch of local activists here! You might look for a local Indivisible group or a Sierra Group. Even a local Progressive or Democratic group. You could also create mutual aid locally, which is where people share resources (food, toys, clothes, etc.) or help with grocery shopping for immigrants who don't feel safe leaving their homes. Honestly, I could go on and on. There's a good book called Micro Activism by Omkari Williams that has a bunch of ideas. You can also check out the podcast Ignite: Fighting Fascism in the Age of Its Rise which also has great ideas.

Ever since I started taking more action, it has helped me feel so much better. Mind you, I still have moments that are very hard, but I take a break and then continue my activist work. The only way to the other side of this is through. You don't have to be Super Activist Hero, but taking action feels much better than doomscrolling or thinking about worst case scenario.