How To Overcome Anxiety During The Attack On Abortion Rights
How does the supreme court and Roe v Wade news impact abortion rights?
Roe v Wade became the law of the land in 1973 and gave woman the constitutional right to choose an abortion and have rights over their own body. A draft was leaked that showed that the supreme court plans to overturn Roe v Wade.
If Roe v Wade is overturned it will allow the states to decide to what degree women will have rights to their body. Multiple states have trigger laws that will result in abortion being heavily restricted or completely banned immediately following the overturning of Roe v Wade.
The attack on abortion rights may put other rights at stake. For example, states may have the power to restrict many personal choices such as the use of contraception.
Why am I reacting so strongly to the Roe v Wade news?
The supreme court attempting to overturn Roe v Wade attacks women’s right to choose. Taking away control of women’s bodies would strip away self determination for half of the US population.
We are angry, scared, and reacting in a way that protects us during these scary times. You are not alone in your struggle.
Some are distracting themselves with work and other things to avoid looking at the painful truth. Some are finding themselves frozen, seemingly unable to cross off anything on their to do list.
People are more likely to lash out and be triggered when a systemic problem such as this shows up. These are all valid coping mechanisms and reactions under these circumstances.
How do I take care of myself during these uncertain times?
Many of us are struggling with caring for ourselves and showing ourselves grace during these times. Here are a few ways you can support yourself right now.
Self compassion and grace. Often, we get down on ourselves when we are having strong reactions that impact our life. Acknowledging that life circumstances are overwhelming and showing ourselves grace is key.
It is understandable to have a hard time getting through the day with everything going on! Realizing that you are triggered and practicing self compassion will support you through this.
Reach out to your support system. Sometimes, we isolate or overlook the supportive people in our lives when we are in a storm. Our support system can give us a reprieve that allows us to feel joy no matter where we are.
Talk to a therapist. Sometimes, our struggles are too overwhelming to face ourselves- and that is ok! Trauma survivors, especially sexual abuse survivors, may be experiencing many emotions and symptoms that are hard to manage.
Luckily, there are therapists out there that can support you during these triggering times. At growgood psychology we have trauma therapists that can support you as you walk along your path to healing.
How do I handle my anxiety over the attack on abortion rights?
Mindfulness exercises. Mindfulness empowers us to focus on the present moment and our immediate surroundings. This gives our thoughts less power and helps us show up for ourselves and our loved ones.
Practicing mindfulness can help you feel a sense of peace during these volatile times.
Let go of what you cannot control. Plenty of times I have found myself focusing on what I cannot control. I may say things like “only if things were different” and spending precious time going over what I cannot control.
Unfortunately, we cannot change the Supreme court overnight. So, letting that go and focusing on what we can do and control is empowering.
Take action. Often, taking action and doing something that can change our circumstances can alleviate anxiety. We may not be able to change things overnight, however when we come together we can make waves.
You can empower yourself and everyone else in the world that is affected by the attack on women and abortion rights.
What can I do to support Roe v Wade and abortion rights?
Peaceful protest. Peaceful protests have been spreading like wildfire throughout the country. Sometimes, direct action and using our voice with a group is necessary to make systemic change.
You can become a part of a community of fellow activists by grabbing a sign and taking it to the streets.
Follow activists and activist groups. Many activists and activist groups are on social media. They tend to share ways you can support the cause and get involved.
Supporting these activists and spreading the word by sharing their content makes a huge difference!
Contact people in power. Contacting your legislators and identifying people in power that are open to fighting for abortion rights can go a long way.
Spread awareness. Having discussions about women rights and abortion rights while offering education can get people involved and elicit change.
Vote. You deserve to have your voice heard! Taking the time to research candidates and making an informed decision when voting makes a huge difference. A senator or representative that is for women’s rights and empowers marginalized populations can change the system. They can influence the laws that are passed and what actions are taken to support citizens.
Empower those that are the most impacted. Marginalized populations that are in red states will be heavily affected if Roe v Wade is overturned. People that are low income and can’t afford to have a child and/or travel to have an abortion will be heavily impacted.
Donate money and/or time. There are many pro choice and women’s rights organizations empowering women. They have the power they have partly due to our support.
Here are a few organizations that you can donate money or time to: the abortion care network, national network of abortion funds, and planned parenthood.
growgood psychology has a team of anxiety therapists that are dedicated to supporting you during these unstable times
To add, at growgood psychology we will create a safe holding space for you to process and heal. At growgood psychology you can develop skills to release anxiety. Our therapists can help you tap into joy and peace during the rollercoaster of life.
Finally, connect with us now to begin the healing process and embrace growth with our holistic therapists!