A Mental Wellness Guide for Hard Times

Right now, life feels heavy. The news is filled with headlines about government shutdowns, SNAP benefit delays, and unpaid federal workers.

Some people are wondering how they’ll pay rent next month. Others are trying to stretch groceries while waiting on the help they usually count on. Still others are showing up to work, faithfully and without fail, knowing their paycheck might not come for a while.

It’s a lot.

And if you’ve been feeling anxious, exhausted, discouraged, or numb, you’re not alone.

You are not broken. You are not lazy. You are a human being trying to survive in a world that’s shifting underneath your feet.

This blog is for you.

It’s for the person staring at their bank app, wondering what they’ll do next.
For the mom who’s hiding her tears because her kids are watching.
For the worker who’s clocking in without pay because duty calls.
For the caregiver who’s trying to smile while inside they’re holding back a scream.
For the soul who’s tired of "being strong" and just wants to feel safe again.

This Is a Lot

When systems fall apart, it’s not just about money, it’s about what that money represented: stability, predictability, dignity.

So when your resources are suddenly threatened or withheld, it sends your nervous system into overdrive.

You may feel like you’re falling behind. You may feel ashamed for needing help. You may feel like everything is spiraling.

And then on top of that?
You still have to cook.
Still have to work.
Still have to be "okay" for everybody else.

It’s exhausting.

Let me tell you something clearly:
It’s okay to not be okay.

Not forever. But for now.
It’s okay to acknowledge that this is a lot to carry.

The Emotional Toll of Uncertainty

When life feels unpredictable, your brain goes into survival mode. It’s constantly scanning for what’s safe, what’s risky, what might fall apart next.

This is normal but it’s also draining.

Here’s how it might be showing up for you:

• Difficulty sleeping

• Feeling restless or irritable

• Difficulty concentrating

• Crying for “no reason”

• Numbing out with TV, food, or scrolling

• Feeling disconnected from your body or your people

These aren’t signs of weakness. They’re signs that your body is trying to keep you safe in a world that feels unsafe.

You’re not crazy.
You’re not dramatic.
You’re not failing.

You’re responding.

You’re Not Lazy. You’re in Survival Mode.

If your motivation is low right now, if you’re struggling to “keep up”, please hear this:

You are not lazy. You are navigating crisis.

Your body is prioritizing safety. That’s why it feels hard to focus on goals or to-do lists. Your brain is busy protecting you.

This is why self-compassion is critical.

You don’t have to earn your rest.
You don’t have to justify your feelings.
You’re allowed to slow down.
Even if everything around you is speeding up.

What You Can Control Right Now

When the world feels unstable, it’s easy to spiral. But one of the best tools in your mental wellness toolbox is focus, not on what you can’t control, but on what you still can.

Try this:

• Limit doomscrolling on social media. Set a time limit or only check the news once a day.

• Breathe with intention. Inhale 4 counts → hold → exhale 4 counts. Repeat.

• Write it down. Get the chaos out of your head.

• Reach out. Talk to someone. You don’t have to do this alone.

• Make a mini-plan. Ask: “What can I do today?” Not this week. Just today.

For Those Who Feel Forgotten

To the federal worker wondering when your next paycheck will come: you are not forgotten.
To the parent panicked about groceries: you are not forgotten.
To the person too tired to fight back right now: you are not forgotten.

Even if no one sees you, God does.

Your pain is real.
Your needs are valid.
Your value is unshaken.

You were worthy before the shutdown. And you are worthy now.

Speak This Over Yourself

When the world speaks fear, speak faith.

Say this:
I am not alone in this.
I can do hard things.
I don’t have to figure everything out today.
I am still worthy of peace, joy, and rest.
I am not a burden.
I am not broken. I am healing.

A Note on Faith

Faith doesn’t mean pretending everything is fine. It means trusting that even now, God is near.

He sees your struggle.
He hears your prayers.
He knows what you need, even before you ask.

And He still has a plan for your life.

If you pray, try this today:
“God, I don’t know what to do. But I trust that You do. Please make a way.”

Then breathe. Keep walking.

Let Yourself Hope Again

Hope is not weakness. It’s survival.

You may not know what next week holds, but you’ve made it through before.

That same strength is still in you.

Start here:
“This won’t last forever.”
“Help is coming.”
“I believe better is still possible.”

Write down one thing you’re thankful for, big or small.
Gratitude grounds you. It reminds you there is still good.

To the Person Who’s Been Strong for Too Long

You don’t have to carry it all.

You’re allowed to say, “I’m struggling.”
You’re allowed to stop pretending.
You’re allowed to ask for help.

Real strength knows when to rest.

A Prayer for This Season

“Lord, I’m tired. I don’t have all the answers. I feel unsure. But I trust that You’re with me, even here. Help me hold onto hope. Protect my peace. Provide what I need. Surround me with what helps me feel safe.”

Amen.

This Is Not the End of Your Story

Things may feel like they’re falling apart.
But maybe, just maybe, they’re falling into place.

Better days are coming.
Help is on the way.
You are still worthy. You are still enough. You are still chosen.

So breathe.
Drink water.
Rest when you can.
And take one small step forward.

You are not alone. You are not forgotten.
You are deeply, fully, wildly loved.

Keep the faith. 💚👑