Resist Burnout: Care, Coping, and Wellness in Dark Times

How can we practice self-care to endure the revolutionary marathon and better support one another?

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Life presents many challenges—especially amid the rising tides of fascism and collective uncertainty. Yet, just as solidarity and mutual aid empower communities in turbulent times and in general, cultivating personal resilience through healthy coping strategies strengthens our capacity to endure and thrive. Navigating these difficulties with care for ourselves and each other can be an act of resistance.

Set Yourself Up for Success

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Growing up, I wasn’t taught how to manage emotions in school, and I suspect I’m not alone in that experience - especially among fellow young men. We all face hardships and confusing feelings at different points in our lives. I was fortunate to have access to counseling during my formative years—an invaluable privilege that not everyone enjoys under capitalism where basic needs become commodities and gatekept behind paywalls.

Talking through big life events, such as questions about identity or social struggles, with a trusted counselor equipped me with tools to manage my emotions constructively. Everyone deserves access to such mental health resources, especially as social, environmental, and economic conditions grow more precarious. In the absence of accessible systems, communities often come together to provide support—mutual aid networks, healing spaces, and solidarity groups step in where institutions fail.

Check In With Yourself

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When navigating tough times—whether due to personal stress, loss, or collective grief—it’s essential to start with a wellness check. Even seemingly small actions can lay the groundwork for better well-being.

Ask yourself:

• Am I hydrated?

• Have I eaten something nourishing?

• How well did I sleep last night?

• Have I moved my body recently?

• Do I feel lonely?

These foundational needs are often overlooked but make a world of difference when addressed. During prolonged periods of difficulty, focusing on the basics can help stabilize your well-being.

Coping Strategies vs. Defense Mechanisms

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Coping strategies help us process difficult emotions and manage stress in constructive ways. They can be emotion-focused or problem-focused. Conversely, defense mechanisms are often unconscious reactions that distort reality to protect self-esteem but ultimately avoid addressing underlying issues.

Common Defense Mechanisms

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• Denial: Ignoring a problem or pretending it doesn’t exist.

• Dissociation: Mentally distancing yourself from a traumatic event.

• Projection: Attributing your feelings to someone else.

• Self-medication: Using substances to escape or numb emotional pain.

While these mechanisms may offer temporary relief, they do little to build resilience or address root causes. Healthy coping strategies, on the other hand, provide lasting tools for navigating life’s hardships.

Emotion-Focused Coping

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These methods are useful when circumstances are beyond your control—like grief over a loved one or political upheaval.

Some effective techniques include:

• Taking a walk or engaging in physical activity.

• Journaling or creative expression.

• Practicing mindfulness or deep breathing exercises.

• Listening to uplifting music or watching a comforting film.

• Connecting with supportive friends or community members.

Problem-Focused Coping

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When the stressor is within your control, problem-focused strategies help address the root cause.

Examples include:

• Creating a budget to tackle financial stress.

• Developing a plan and timeline to achieve a specific goal.

• Seeking new employment or acquiring new skills.

• Practicing for an important presentation or event.

The Role of Community in Coping

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Self-care is vital, but individual resilience doesn’t exist in isolation. In times of social and political crisis, collective care becomes essential. Mutual aid networks, community kitchens, and healing spaces exemplify how people come together to support one another. Leaning into these spaces not only provides tangible relief but also reminds us that we’re not alone.

Remember, sometimes we must step away to regain our wits and stability. Capitalism presents challenges constantly, but we need you in the struggle. If stepping away temporarily to focus on your well-being improves your longevity, by all means, please do so. Remember to train your replacements and return when you are ready.

Participating in collective actions, sharing resources, and showing up for each other—these are all ways to build resilience within our communities. When we help others cope, we often find healing ourselves. Conversely, when we find healthy ways to cope, we are better able to help others.

We Thrive Together

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Life will always present challenges, but by practicing healthy coping skills, we empower ourselves and each other to thrive despite adversity, exploitation, and oppression. Start with the basics: hydrate, eat, rest, and move your body. Then, engage in practices that help you process emotions and tackle problems head-on.

Remember: nurturing yourself is not selfish—it’s a vital part of sustaining your capacity to show up for others. Take time to sing in the shower, plant a garden, or create something beautiful. And when possible, offer a hand to someone else in need. This is a marathon; you can pass the baton.

Through self-care and collective action, we resist the forces that seek to divide and oppress us. What are your go-to coping strategies? How do you contribute to collective resilience? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

First Published on Medium

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