I don’t even know how to say this anymore without sounding like a damn broken record, but ever since Trump got elected in November, my mental health has been slipping. And lately it’s not just slipping. It’s more like I jumped off a cliff and freefalling toward jagged rocks.

I’ve done everything I’m supposed to. I stay active. I run 3 to 5 miles on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. I exercise 3 to 5 days a week. I spend time outside. I touch grass. But none of it works anymore. It just doesn’t take the edge off like it used to.

I know doomscrolling makes it worse. I know the news and social media are built to keep people angry and scared. I try to pull away from it. But even when I do, I get hit from another angle. My girlfriend sends me political messages all day long, like she’s trying to convince me of something I already agree with. I’ve told her to give me some space, but it doesn’t stop. It’s like she needs me to be in constant panic mode with her, and I just can’t do it anymore.

Lately I find myself dreading conversation. I don’t even want to hear another human voice. I’m tired in a way I don’t know how to fix.

I thought retirement was going to bring me some peace. I’ve worked hard my whole life. I thought I had earned some quiet. Instead, the world keeps getting louder, and none of the things I used to do to cope are cutting it.

Is anybody else feeling this way?

  • surewhynotlem@lemmy.world
    0·
    2 days ago

    You are struggling with the circle of concern. You’re spending time worrying about things that concern you but that you can’t change. You will feel better if you focus on things you can directly control or things you can influence.

    So look more local. DO something positive in your community. It will help you feel grounded and effective.

    I go to local protests, donate to the local food bank, etc. Even just showing up with intent feels positive. Heck, go to the library. Showing up helps their numbers and helps their funding.

    • ski11erboi@lemmy.world
      0·
      2 days ago

      I’ve made it my personal mission to get as many people I know out to the protests. It helps a little though I’m still hopelessly depressed.

      Next nationwide protest is this Thursday! July 17th. Good trouble lives on.

      • stoicmaverick@lemmy.world
        0·
        2 days ago

        Where does this stuff get posted? I hadn’t heard of the one on the 17th. I should go to one. This whole thread is hitting me pretty hard. I didn’t even want to go to the pool with the wife and kids today.

        • ski11erboi@lemmy.world
          0·
          1 day ago

          Thankfully someone I knew posted it on social media. Seems to be the only way information gets spread around now. Been trying to do the same. It’s by the same group that did the no kings protest and they have said they plan to continue planning protests so I would just follow that group for upcoming protests. I had googled “next no kings protest” after I heard about it and it popped up.