“If you feel you are in a black hole, don’t give up. There’s a way out.” —𝘚𝘵𝘦𝘱𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘏𝘢𝘸𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨

Much of what’s happening may feel like spiraling into a black hole, but there are things we can do to avoid a free fall into darkness.

𝟭. 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗿𝗼𝗼𝘁𝘀 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: We can become agents of change in our communities by getting involved in local and grassroots initiatives. By speaking up at city council meetings, volunteering with community organizations, and participating in community-led improvement efforts, each of us has the power to have a meaningful impact.

𝟮. 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗮 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲-𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲: Collaborate with individuals and groups who lift each other up and provide support in the effort to fight for positive change. By working together, we can amplify our voices and foster collaborative communities that take strides toward a more positive future.

𝟯. 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀-𝗢𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀: Staying aware of what’s happening is important, but it’s essential to avoid the doomscrolling trap. By focusing on solutions and taking direct action, we can contribute to meaningful change. Supporting local policy initiatives, as well as social and environmental programs, helps build momentum for widespread positive impact.

𝟰. 𝗦𝗲𝘁 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗕𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀: Finding a balance between staying informed and involved and stepping back to rest and preserve mental and physical well-being is essential. By taking care of ourselves, we can remain more fully engaged and effective over time.