Coping Mechanisms for Uncertain & Chaotic Times

IN THIS EPISODE: In a candid discussion about managing stress and anxiety, two therapists offer compassionate insights into navigating complex social challenges through community support, self-care, and collective resilience.

TOPICS: Media, community, Stress, activism, dissociation, Anxiety

KEY FIGURES: Elon Musk, Donald Trump, Mark Zuckerberg, Sam Sanders, Steve Wilson, Ava Max, Zach Stafford, Vibe Check, Saeed Jones, Logan Kim, Mutual Aid LA Network, Criterion Collection, Blue Caftan

SUMMARY:In this episode of Out of Session, hosts ⁠Steve Wilson⁠ and ⁠Logan Kim⁠ discuss the challenges of managing stress and anxiety during tumultuous times, particularly focusing on the political and social climate surrounding the second Trump presidency. They explore the overwhelming range of systemic stressors affecting people, including political changes, climate issues, queerphobia, transphobia, racism, and other social challenges that contribute to feelings of fear, helplessness, and anxiety.

The hosts emphasize the importance of finding balance in engaging with difficult realities while not becoming completely overwhelmed. They discuss coping strategies such as seeking community connection, practicing self-care, finding joy in small moments, and recognizing that dissociation and other coping mechanisms are natural responses to extreme stress. They also highlight the significance of being kind to oneself and understanding that individuals cannot solve all societal problems alone.

Throughout the conversation, Steve and Logan advocate for taking action through community involvement, creative expression, and supporting collective efforts. They recommend finding ways to contribute that feel personally meaningful, whether through joining specific advocacy groups, supporting younger generations, engaging in creative pursuits, or simply finding moments of joy and connection. The episode ultimately offers a compassionate and hopeful perspective on navigating challenging social landscapes by maintaining human connection and resilience.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:• Feeling fear, anxiety, and overwhelm in response to current societal challenges is a normal and valid emotional reaction• Practicing self-care is not selfish, but crucial for maintaining personal and community resilience during stressful times• Finding and maintaining community connection is essential for combating feelings of powerlessness and isolation• There are multiple ways to take action and support social causes beyond traditional protest, including supporting grassroots organizations and being intentional about where you get information• Creative expression and finding moments of joy are important forms of resistance and personal healing during challenging times• Systemic challenges often rely on individual feelings of helplessness, so recognizing collective power is crucial for maintaining hope• Queer and marginalized identities remain valid and resilient regardless of oppressive political policies or social pressures

This episode is bringing you to: 

Mutual Aid LA Network, a connector and information hub for mutual aid efforts, people and resources across Los Angeles. They’re building toward abolition and believe in an abundant world that can be freed of oppression through community solidarity. Check out their Group Directory for a running list of mutual aid groups active across LA. You’ll find links, info about what the group is and what they do, and tags to help you search and filter for groups needing volunteers or donations! Instagram: @mutualaidla

One podcast we’re recommending to decolonize your media feed is Vibe Check, a podcast run by three queer black men, Saeed Jones, Sam Sanders, and Zack Stafford and their take on pop culture and current events. Tune in on your favorite streaming platform to listen to them make sense of what’s going on in news and culture, and how it all feels. Instagram: @vibecheck_pod