As social justice workers in 2025, many of us are experiencing a complex mix of determination and apprehension. The world feels more volatile, and the challenges we face seem bigger than ever. It’s entirely natural to feel fear — for our safety, the progress of our work, and the future of the causes we hold dear. However, persistent fear can weigh heavily on our mind, body, and soul, making it difficult to sustain our efforts over the long haul.
Understanding how to manage this fear, rather than letting it consume us, is crucial for maintaining our mental health and effectiveness as advocates.
The Impact of Worrying About What We Can’t Control
Constant worry about external factors — such as political shifts, legal crackdowns, or societal unrest — can lead to anxiety, burnout, and feelings of helplessness. When we invest too much energy in the things outside our influence, it drains our mental and emotional resources, often leaving us exhausted and demotivated.
Over time, this can manifest physically through fatigue, headaches, and sleep disturbances, and emotionally as despair or cynicism. Spiritually, it can lessen our sense of hope and purpose.
The key isn’t to ignore these concerns but to recognize when our focus is drifting into unproductive worry and take deliberate steps to re-center ourselves.
How to Get Ahead of Fear and Protect Your Mental Well-being
1. Stay Informed, Not Overwhelmed
Example: Subscribe to reputable news sources and set specific times during the day to catch up on updates, rather than continuously checking the news. Use daily briefings or newsletters that provide summaries rather than endless streams of information. This helps you stay aware without succumbing to information overload, which can heighten anxiety.
2. Build a Supportive Community
Example: Join or create a local or online network of like-minded activists. Regular virtual check-ins or support groups facilitate shared experiences and collective encouragement. For instance, participating in peer support groups or attending workshops focused on mental health and resilience can offer coping strategies and emotional relief.
3. Prioritize Self-Care
Example: Allocate daily time for activities that replenish your energy — whether that’s meditation, exercise, journaling, or engaging in hobbies like reading or gardening. For example, committing to a 10-minute meditation session each morning can help ground your mind and reduce stress. Remember, caring for yourself isn’t selfish; it’s essential for sustaining your work.
4. Focus on What You Can Control
Example: Identify small, actionable steps you can take—such as organizing community events, writing advocacy emails, or educating peers. Celebrating these wins reinforces your agency and counters feelings of helplessness. For instance, volunteering to mentor a younger advocate or donating to organizations doing impactful work can make you feel empowered.
5. Practice Resilience and Flexibility
Example: Develop adaptable plans that can evolve with changing circumstances. Perspective shifts, such as seeing setbacks as opportunities to learn, foster resilience. Engaging in mindfulness practices or attending resilience-building workshops helps reinforce mental toughness.
The Power of Mindfulness and Boundaries
It’s vital to recognize when worry is spiraling into anxiety. Establish boundaries around your activism — turn off news alerts when needed, and carve out time for rest. Practices like mindfulness, deep breathing, or therapy can assist in managing stress and maintaining a healthy perspective.
Final Thoughts
Fear is a natural response to uncertainty, especially for those fighting for justice in turbulent times. But it doesn’t have to control you. By actively managing your mental health, focusing on tangible actions, and building resilience, you can stay ahead of the fear and continue your vital work.
Remember, your passion and dedication are powerful. Take care of yourself so you can keep making a difference — mind, body, and soul.
Stay resilient. Stay hopeful. Keep pushing forward.
Leave a comment