YOU’RE NOT OVERREACTING

For those of us who have struggled with our mental health, it can often feel like we are overreacting.

But I want to take to take time to say that if the news of Roe v. Wade being overturned is bringing up a flood of emotions for you, that is an appropriate response.

If you feel afraid for yourself and the people you love, that makes sense. Sometimes our anxiety makes us feel afraid even when we are safe. This is not one of those times.

If you worry that this decision implies more rights are going to be taken away in the near future, that is a credible thought based on evidence. It is not your brain spiraling out of control.

And if the people around you tell you to relax in response to this heartbreaking and dangerous change in federal policy, you don’t have to. Being “relaxed” in this moment is at odds with your values. Fuck being relaxed.

Some people will tell you that you are catastrophizing if you state certain concerns about the future of our society out loud. They will try to make you feel “crazy” for being so worried. They will ignore the connection between this ruling and everything else that is happening.

These people are not right. They don’t know more than you.

They just don’t want to face reality because it is too scary. It is not your job to change their mind. But you don’t have to feel pressured to change yours.

It is possible to be both an anxious person and a person who rationally understands the current state of the world. Anxiety exists to protect us from danger even if sometimes it misses the mark. I believe that our anxiety about the Supreme Court is right on the mark.

Shouting “fire” is not alarmist if there is a fire. Telling people not to shout as everything burns down is what’s actually dangerous.

Grant yourself permission to honor your feelings. Remind yourself that a history of catastrophizing about things doesn’t negate reality. Sometimes really bad things do happen. They are happening right now.

I am afraid. I think we should all be afraid.

But we will continue to fight together. And we will be so busy fighting, we won’t have time for those who try to turn our valid emotions against us.

xoxo,

Allison

https://shoutyourabortion.com/