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Photo: Unsplash/ engin akyurt By Patricia Alvarado February 27, 2025 – 09:00 Even though we’re still early in the year, la política and social media is already starting to feel overwhelming. Many in our community are experiencing high levels of estrés o nervios—and with good reason. Constant news alerts and negative comments targeting our comunidades can leave us uneasy, worried about our families, legal status, or the well-being of friends. It’s perfectly normal to feel unsettled or fearful—no estás solo! My hope is that we’ll stay strong in solidarity as we navigate the emotional toll of the current political climate. Every new headline seems to prompt the question, “What’s next?” The uncertainties around immigration policy, racial injustice , and heated social media debates can make it feel like we’re walking on eggshells, unsure of what tomorrow holds. Sí, es mucho—it really is a lot! Let’s explore the emotional impact of our fast-paced news cycle and explore how social media can affect nuestra salud mental. We’ll also discuss ways to manage la ansiedad and stress during these uncertain times—together, supporting one another, keeping our spirits high, and planning for the challenges that may lie ahead. The Latinx community is experiencing fear and uncertainty due to changing immigration policies paired with continuous healthcare discussions. This stress manifests physically as tension, headaches, and sleep disruptions. News of raids, discrimination, and hate crimes against the Latinx community can cause vicarious trauma, leading to emotional exhaustion and hopelessness. Additionally, social media overload can amplify stress and create feelings of displacement. While social media can be a powerful tool, mindful usage is crucial to avoid a cycle of stress. Identifying a few common stressors and exploring ways to cope can provide much-needed guidance when life feels uncertain. Here are some examples that may resonate with you: Worried About Loved Ones: Fear about deportation or sudden policy changes can weigh heavily on our minds. Stay connected! Subscribe now and get the latest on culture, empowerment, and more. SIGN ME UP! This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and Google Privacy Policy and the Terms of Service . Thank You! You are already subscribed to our newsletter Coping Tip: Talk openly with family members about your concerns. Compartir es sanar—sharing is healing. Make a plan in case of emergencies, such as keeping important documents in a safe place. Employment Challenges: With the shifting economy, jobs can feel insecure. Coping Tip: Seek resources for financial assistance or training programs (local non-profits, community centers). Knowing your options can reduce uncertainty. Feeling Out of Place: Tensions might arise if people around you have opposing views. Coping Tip: Practice setting boundaries. If conversations become too heated or personal, politely disengage. Share your perspective if you feel comfortable, but know it’s okay to protect your mental health. Misinformation & Toxic Comments : Overexposure to negative posts can heighten stress. Coping Tip: Establish “digital breaks.” Limit scrolling before bedtime and follow supportive, informative accounts that uplift you. Silencing your phone works too! So you might be wondering, what can I do now? What can I do to take care of myself as I try to support others? Here are some options that can be helpful: Grounding and Mindfulness: Even a simple grounding exercise—cerrar los ojos, inhaling for four counts, holding for two, and exhaling for four—can help reduce anxiety in tense moments. Visualize a tranquilo lugar where you feel safe and relaxed (it could be an abuela’s kitchen or a sunny beach). Community Support: Connect with local or online Latinx groups, churches, or community centers. Volunteer if you can—giving back often creates a sense of purpose. Lean on friends or neighbors. A quick phone call or group text with loved ones can remind you that you’re not alone in these struggles. Therapy and Counseling: Consider seeking professional support, especially if anxiety or stress becomes unmanageable. If finances are a barrier, look into low-cost clinics or telehealth services specifically serving the Latinx community. Set Information Boundaries: Give yourself designated times to check the news. Endless scrolling can lead to burnout. It’s okay to stay informed without being constantly plugged in. Supporting our comunidad and family at home is crucial, especially in uncertain times when the political climate and social media can stir up anxiety. One way to build resilience is by sharing resources —if you come across empowering articles, mental health tools, or legal information, comparte con tu gente to strengthen everyone collectively. Celebrate your heritage through cultural traditions like cooking familiar dishes or playing música that keeps you grounded in joy and resilience. It’s also vital to educate future generations by talking about current events in an age-appropriate manner and letting children and teens know their voices matter. Finally, promote unity by reaching out to friends, neighbors, or colleagues; even a simple cafecito virtual can create a powerful ripple effect of connection. Ultimately, hay fuerza en la unión —when we set healthy boundaries, stay informed, and lean on each other for support, we become better equipped to navigate these challenges together. Remember: No estamos solos. We’re not alone. Each of us can take steps to care for ourselves and support our loved ones, ensuring that our voices remain strong, our spirits resilient, and our hearts open. If you ever feel overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out to mental health professionals or community resources. Together, sí se puede—yes, we can rise above the noise and advocate for the future we all deserve. Patricia Alvarado is an EMDR-certified therapist focused on healing trauma in the Latinx community In this Article Latina mental health Mental Health Patricia Alvarado More on this topic Culture Celia Cruz: The Queen of Salsa and Afro-Latina Icon February 28, 2025 – 16:00 Culture Digame: Afro-Latina Writer Alyssa Reynoso-Morris Talks Representation in Publishing February 28, 2025 – 08:00 Culture Navigating DEI Bans as an Afro-Latina in Academia February 27, 2025 – 06:00 Culture Alexis Daria Talks Latina Representation in Romance Literature & Latest Book February 26, 2025 – 12:00 Playback speed Normal Quality – Playback speed 0.25 0.5 0.75 Normal 1.25 1.5 1.75 2 Unmute 00:00 / 00:00 LIVE Account limits reached. 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