Screaming into the Void: What to Do When You Feel Hopeless
It’s been a tough pill to swallow. With Donald Trump back in the White House, many of us are grappling with feelings of despair, anger, and confusion about what the future holds. It’s easy to feel like screaming into the void, letting the frustration and hopelessness take over. But the truth is, despair isn’t going to help us, nor will apathy. So, how do we channel this energy into something productive? How do we keep from going crazy and stay engaged in the fight for what matters?
1. Stay Engaged: Focus on Local Action
Change begins at the local level. While federal policies can feel overwhelming, communities wield real power in shaping education, housing, and public health outcomes. Here’s how you can start making a difference today:
Support Public Education: Advocate for fully funded public schools by contacting your local representatives, attending school board meetings, and staying informed on budget proposals. Teachers and schools need allies now more than ever, especially as privatization efforts expand.
Volunteer for Grassroots Organizations: Nonprofits like the ACLU, Planned Parenthood, and local food banks work tirelessly to mitigate harm in vulnerable communities. Donating time, money, or expertise to these organizations strengthens their ability to resist harmful policies.
2. Take Care of Your Mental Health
You can’t pour from an empty cup. Activism and engagement are long-haul efforts, and burnout is real. Make self-care a priority:
Unplug Strategically: Doomscrolling won’t solve problems. Dedicate specific times to check the news and spend the rest of your day disconnected from the noise. If you are going to log on- follow accounts like Elizabeth Booker Houston or Blakely Neiman Thornton. They are wicked funny and can read a person to filth. They bring my petty heart such joy.
Connect with Like-Minded People: Whether through online forums, activist groups, or community events, being surrounded by people who share your values can be an antidote to isolation.
3. Fight for Public Education
Education is one of the most important battlegrounds. Trump’s administration is pushing policies like voucher programs and reduced federal oversight that threaten public schools. Here’s how you can help:
Advocate Against School Vouchers: Write letters to editors, join protests, or organize town halls to educate your community about how vouchers divert funds from public schools.
Support Teacher Unions: Join or back local unions that fight for fair wages, funding, and education equity.
4. Engage in Nonviolent Resistance
Activism doesn’t have to mean showing up for every protest. There are other ways to resist policies that don’t align with your values:
Vote in Every Election: This includes school board elections, city councils, and midterms. Local officials often have the greatest impact on education and social policies.
Write to Your Representatives: A well-written, respectful letter or email can influence policymakers, especially when it’s part of a larger coordinated effort.
5. Keep Supporting Nonprofits
Nonprofits are often at the forefront of protecting vulnerable populations and advancing progressive causes. Consider supporting groups like:
Public Education Advocacy: The Education Trust and National Education Association work to ensure equitable access to quality education.
Civil Rights Organizations: Groups like the ACLU and NAACP protect freedoms under threat.
Environmental and Climate Justice: Support organizations like Earthjustice or the Sierra Club that challenge harmful environmental rollbacks.
6. Find Hope in Small Victories
It’s easy to feel like your individual efforts don’t matter, but collective action adds up. Remember, the civil rights movement, women’s suffrage, and LGBTQ+ rights all began with small, determined groups of people who refused to give up. Celebrate small wins along the way—they build momentum and inspire others.
7. Remind Yourself Why It Matters
In moments of doubt, remind yourself of the stakes. Every effort you make is a step toward a more equitable, sustainable, and compassionate future. Public education, civil rights, and environmental protections are worth fighting for, no matter how daunting the opposition feels.
Yes, we’re screaming into the void. But together, those screams can become a collective roar that demands change. Stay engaged. Stay hopeful. Keep fighting. Because the alternative—a world where we give up—is simply not an option.