This is a Complicated Time to Exist.

Throughout my career, which has spanned over 30 years now, I have never encountered a time where I have felt that every core value, every principle, every tenet that serves as a foundation for the direction of my career is under attack in some way. Whether it's integrity being compromised for convenience, diversity being viewed as divisive rather than strengthening, equity being dismissed as unfair, or liberty being selectively applied, the foundations feel precarious. I have never felt at such a loss when considering how people can and should be supported. There are a myriad of issues and concerns all conflating and frankly, the ability to reassure people feels quite beyond my control. It's unsettling.

Friends and colleagues that have worked for companies for decades – large companies with record profits and substantial cash reserves – find themselves being laid off, entering the most competitive job market we have experienced this century. New grads will find themselves in the difficult position of having to pursue not aspirational employment goals, but those that will pay the bills because roles that are more aspirational have been eliminated due to budget constraints or other external pressures. All of the things parents tell their children about working hard, staying focused and pursuing their dreams is now awash is a sea of chaos and disappointment.

Individuals working for a US employer who seek citizenship or require sponsorship are confronted with a host of challenges, as if the immigration process isn't complicated enough. People come here to go to school, build a life, and work hard. Maybe their families are here or they hope to create one here, they do all the right things and plan for the future. And then they wait in fear the rug is to be pulled out from under them.

Companies pull away from DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion or "definitely earned it") responding in fear of the changing demographics of the country. While these initiatives have always faced resistance, what we're seeing now isn't thoughtful reform but wholesale regression. Segregation is back in fashion on the federal contract job front. It's one thing to say progress is slow but another thing entirely to back-peddle to the 1950s at warp speed.

These are challenging times, particularly for those affected by DEI rollbacks, economic uncertainty and job insecurity, immigration laws... just about everyone. Treating people with decency and humanity is for some reason controversial. In light of all this, I personally am making an effort to focus on what I can control. Recognizing our circumstances doesn't dictate our response to them. Overwhelm is real, but I am trying to find areas in my life where I have agency, and it is in those areas I direct my energy.

Here are some practical tips for maintaining your mental health:

1. Create boundaries with news consumption. Stay informed, but consider setting specific times to check news and avoid constant exposure that can increase anxiety.

2. Build a supportive community. Connect with others who understand your experiences, whether in-person or through online groups. Having people who validate your concerns can reduce feelings of isolation.

3. Practice regular self-care. This includes basics like adequate sleep, movement, and nutrition, as well as activities that bring you joy and relaxation.

4. Limit social media engagement. Similar to news boundaries, consider setting time limits on platforms that may increase feelings of anxiety, outrage, or helplessness.

5. Practice mindfulness or grounding techniques. When feeling overwhelmed, use simple practices like deep breathing, naming five things you can see, or brief meditation to bring yourself back to the present moment.

6. Find purpose through meaningful action. Even small contributions toward causes you care about can combat feelings of powerlessness and provide a sense of agency.

7. Maintain perspective through reflection. Regularly step back to acknowledge both challenges and progress, perhaps through journaling or conversations with trusted friends

   
   

I don't have easy answers for these complicated times. What I do know is that community matters more than ever, clear boundaries preserve our capacity to act, and that even in difficult moments, we can choose where to direct our limited energy. Sometimes that's enough to keep moving forward.