Managing Political Anxiety: How Anxiety Therapy in St. Louis & Fact-Checking Can Help Navigate the Noise
Anxiety Therapy in St. Louis, Missouri and Oregon Can Help You
Navigate the Sea of Misinformation
In a world where misinformation can spread faster than the truth, staying informed and managing anxiety can be challenging, especially for young adults who are just beginning to engage deeply with political and social issues. With recent events, including the presidential debate on September 10, 2024, it’s more important than ever to understand how to discern fact from fiction and manage the anxiety that can come from misinformation.
Black nonbinary person with anxiety in St. Louis, Missouri watching political debate on laptop sitting on comfortable couch next to their Asian transgender roommate fact-checking information on phone.
Understanding the Misinformation: Recent Claims and Their Impact
Misinformation About Transgender Healthcare Can Be Harmful
During the recent debate, the former president made several controversial claims. One notable falsehood was the assertion that the current Vice President supports "transgender operations on illegal aliens in prisons." This claim is not only misleading but also harmful. Access to transgender healthcare is already fraught with barriers, and the idea that such operations are a widespread issue in prisons is a gross exaggeration. The reality is that transgender individuals, particularly in correctional facilities, often struggle to access necessary, affirming care.
(some people find creating silly memes to be a helpful coping strategy - see below)
“No Human Being Is Illegal”
Please consider the following quote: “One of today’s most popular and powerful quotes is credited to Elie Wiesel, the writer, Nobel Peace Prize winner, and Holocaust survivor:
"You who are so-called illegal aliens must know that no human being is ‘illegal’. That is a contradiction in terms. Human beings can be beautiful or more beautiful, they can be fat or skinny, they can be right or wrong, but illegal? How can a human being be illegal?"
Coming from a Holocaust survivor who witnessed the worst in humanity, these words are extremely potent. This quote is the rallying cry for those of us who believe that the term “illegal alien,” or referring to human beings as “illegal,” is dangerously dehumanizing. (Haque, 2009) Haque, S. (2009, February 27). Elie Wiesel: “No human being is illegal”. Border Crossing Law Firm. https://bordercrossinglaw.com/elie-wiesel-no-human-being-is-illegal/
False Accusations Against Immigrants Are Dangerous
Another troubling claim involved immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, being accused of eating people's pets. This unfounded accusation is not only false but also dangerous. Spreading such misinformation can incite hate crimes and foster xenophobia. It's crucial to challenge these baseless stories to prevent harm to already marginalized communities. I’m intentionally leaving out the specific country he named they were from to not add to the spreading of lies that carries the danger of someone using that as a poor excuse to target them.
The Responsibility of National Leaders to Provide Accurate Information
In any democratic society, the expectation for national leaders, especially those in the highest office like the President of the United States, is to uphold a commitment to truth and accuracy. With access to extensive resources and intelligence, leaders are tasked with conveying information that reflects factual reality rather than conjecture or hearsay. This responsibility becomes particularly crucial during public debates and statements that can shape public perception and policy. When a leader dismisses serious challenge to spreading disinformation, with a casual remark like, "Well, I heard it on TV. People were saying that," as seen in the recent debate regarding accusations about immigrants in Springfield, it undermines the public’s ability to trust that person’s authority and ability to act responsibly on behalf of the public. Leaders must consider the magnitude of their position and responsibility to provide well-researched and verified information, ensuring that their statements are grounded in truth and contribute positively to informed public discourse.
Nonbinary white femme looking at laptop to fact-check and search for reliable information to help manage anxiety while sitting on cozy couch
How to Fact-Check Information: Basic Tools and Strategies
Use Reliable Sources:
Always cross-check information with reputable sources. Websites like Snopes (snopes.com) and FactCheck.org offer detailed analyses of popular claims and can help you verify the accuracy of what you’re reading.Consult Political Analysis Sites:
For politically charged information, resources like Mother Jones (motherjones.com) provide in-depth reporting and analysis, which can help you understand the context and accuracy of claims.Check Non-Partisan Organizations:
The League of Women Voters (lwv.org) is an excellent resource for non-partisan information on voting and political issues, ensuring that you make informed decisions based on factual information.
Managing Anxiety Related to Misinformation
Feeling overwhelmed by the barrage of false information and heated political debates is understandable, especially if you are neurodivergent or part of a marginalized group. The transition back to school or other routines can heighten anxiety, making it crucial to have strategies in place.
1. Understand the Impact on Mental Health
Misinformation can exacerbate anxiety, particularly for gender expansive and transgender individuals who are frequently discussed in dehumanizing ways. The harmful rhetoric around transgender issues, including exaggerated claims about healthcare for immigrants, can contribute to heightened anxiety and stress.
2. Addressing Broader Concerns
This anxiety isn't limited to misinformation. Climate change, political instability, and social justice issues all contribute to a sense of unease. Engaging in community care and finding supportive spaces can help mitigate these feelings.
Engaging in Community Care
One effective way to manage anxiety is through collective community care. Connecting with local grassroots organizations and engaging in social justice activism not only helps address broader issues but also provides a supportive network.
Call to Action: Seek Support and Stay Informed
Fact-Check to Protect Others: Before sharing or reacting to information, verify its accuracy using reliable sources. This practice helps prevent the spread of harmful misinformation and supports a more informed community.
Connect with Community Support: Engaging in collective care and activism can be empowering. It provides a sense of belonging and purpose while working towards social justice.
Seek Professional Help if Needed: If you’re struggling with anxiety, consider reaching out for support.
If you’re seeking an affirming anxiety therapist in St. Louis who truly understands and supports your unique identity and struggles with anxiety, I invite you to explore how Affirming Liberation Therapy & Healing Arts Practice can make a difference in your life. My name is Dora, and as a nonbinary neurodivergent person who has experienced anxiety firsthand, I get how challenging it can be. My practice is dedicated to being both neurodivergent and LGBTQIA2S+ affirming, grounded in Relational Cultural Therapy to promote collective liberation and empowerment. I offer a compassionate space where your neurodiversity, gender expansiveness, and diverse cultural background are celebrated. Schedule a discovery interview with me today to see how we can work together towards your personal growth and healing. Whether you’re in search of an affirming therapist in St. Louis MO or an anxiety therapist in Oregon, I’m here to support your journey.
Conclusion: Embrace Informed Engagement
Navigating political misinformation and managing anxiety requires both vigilance and compassion. By fact-checking information, engaging in community care, and seeking professional support, we can foster a more informed and supportive environment for everyone.
