Chaos at home. Chaos in the world. Chaos everywhere.
How do we handle this?!
In November, we’ll be exploring what it means to grow up in a chaotic family. Our fist conversation club is TOMORROW, Tuesday, November 5 at 7pm ET for paid subscribers. Link will be sent that day to join! The next one will be November 19 at 7pm ET so mark your calendars.
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This month, we are talking about growing up in a chaotic household. But given the state of the world, it wouldn’t be fair/right to discuss this at home if we don’t also talk about this in the world. So here’s the schedule for this month:
What does it even mean when an experience is chaotic?
When an experience is described as "chaotic," it means it:
Lacks order, structure, control, direction or a general plan
Is unpredictable and you’re unable to anticipate what will happen next
Is overwhelming or too stimulating which can cause disorientation
Is stressful and can cause anxiety
Next week, I will share more on how immigrant families, specifically, display chaos and how it might be impacting you. But in the meantime, I wanted to give you some tips for navigating chaos during this especially tumultuous time and week. Keep in mind, these tips are similar to working through family chaos. Sending you lots of love this week.
And if you are a therapist or a care worker, here are some specific tips for you this week.
And if you are a community advocate or organizer…
Here’s an incredible resource called the Liberation Line, which provides free mental health support calls to organizers and activists, offering support, listening, processing or debriefing. These are confidential, non-crisis, non-therapy phone calls facilitated by a trusted volunteer mental health professional aligned with Palestinian and collective liberation.
How to manage the chaos during election week
1. Get clear on what you are specifically feeling. Chaos causes distraction, and everything just compounds on top of each other. Parse through the specific thoughts and feelings you are having. Is there a specific issue you are worried about? Where in your body does your stress sit? What specific emotions would you use to describe your experience right now?
2. Don't pretend nothing is happening. Chaos as a form of dysfunction thrives on pretending everything is fine, which can reinforce your feelings of despair and hopelessness. But also…
3. Set boundaries around your news consumption, topics of conversation and digital behaviors. Yes, stay informed and have these conversations, but also be mindful of your digital behaviors and consumption. Being all consumed by the bad only leads to paralysis and can make it that much harder to feel a sense of purpose or control.
4. Find the good/meaningful. This may feel counterintuitive but even if it’s small, lean into the good. This can be grassroots movements that bring you hope, or it can be a moment of joy amongst the chaos. It may even be ways you feel like you can make a difference. What skills do you have that you can use right now? What role are you playing in this system of chaos and how can it lead to disruption? These may even be practical like voting, phone banking, or volunteering to help neighbors or community members to polls.
5. Create routine & stability where you can to counteract the feelings of chaos. This may mean going back to basics with sleep hygiene, movement, hydration, nutrition. Consider how you can create safety for yourself? This might look like in your own home/community, or by learning skills to help you feel empowered. This can help you manage the anxiety you feel of a real or perceived threat.
6. Lean into community. Online or in person, we are not meant to be in isolation. Who can you lean on right now? Where can you be an active community member for those around you? Hi, that’s why we’re here!
*Disclaimer: Culturally Enough. is not therapy, a mental health service, nor is it a substitute for mental health services of any kind. I am not showing up in this space as your therapist — I am showing up here as a curiosity-driven writer, peer, and a human. If you are looking for therapy, please consult with your local mental health resources.