Tending to the Mind When the World’s on Fire
by Cayley Brown
May is Mental Health Awareness Month—but in 2025, a single month dedicated to mental wellness feels almost ironic. Between political upheaval, climate disasters, human rights under attack, and a relentless media cycle, it’s no wonder that many Americans feel like they’re barely holding it together. The air feels thick with uncertainty, and for those already struggling with mental health challenges, the pressure is becoming unbearable. The truth is, it’s hard to “prioritize self-care” when the world feels like it’s burning down around you. This is not just everyday stress—it’s chronic overwhelm, the kind of mental wear that settles into your bones. It’s trying to stay afloat when everything beneath you feels unstable, like the ground keeps moving and you’re expected to keep pace anyway.
This Isn’t Just Stress—It’s Systemic
Mental health doesn’t exist in a vacuum. The emotional strain so many people are feeling right now isn’t just about personal stress or not having coping skills—it’s rooted in larger systems and structures that shape our everyday lives. In 2025, the policies and decisions unfolding at the national level are creating ripple effects that are felt in households, schools, workplaces, and communities. From budget cuts to educational upheaval, the conditions many people are navigating are actively undermining their mental well-being.
One significant area of concern is the scaling back of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. These initiatives are designed to create safer and more inclusive spaces for marginalized communities, and they have been stripped from agencies, universities, and public institutions across the country. For many, these rollbacks are more than just policy shifts—they’re personal. DEI programs often offer representation, support networks, and a sense of belonging, especially for those historically left out of the conversation. Without DEI, many are left feeling unseen and unprotected, which can deepen feelings of isolation and anxiety.
Meanwhile, the Department of Education is facing sweeping changes. Efforts to slash its funding and redistribute its responsibilities to other federal agencies have left students, educators, and families in a state of anxious limbo. With programs for mental health support, disability accommodations, free school lunches, and assistance to low-income schools all potentially on the chopping block, it’s no surprise that the educational landscape feels uncertain. That uncertainty seeps into the lives of families who rely on public schools not just for learning, but for stability, meals, counseling, and connection.
Then there’s the rising cost of living, with the impending new tariffs on imported goods starting to drive up prices on everyday essentials—clothing, household goods, electronics, even food. While the full economic impact is still unfolding and the tariffs keep being pushed, families living paycheck to paycheck are already feeling the squeeze as companies raise prices in anticipation. For lower-middle-class and low-income Americans, it’s becoming harder to afford the basic necessities, and financial stress is one of the most significant contributors to declining mental health. When you’re constantly worried about whether you’ll be able to make rent or feed your family, it’s hard to focus on anything else, let alone your emotional well-being.
These aren’t isolated issues—they’re connected. The elimination of mental health supports in schools, the dismantling of DEI efforts, and the rising cost of living are all part of a larger picture. A picture where the systems meant to support people are being weakened or removed entirely, and where individuals are left to navigate growing pressure with fewer resources and less protection.
What Can You Do?
It’s easy to feel powerless in times like this—but while we can’t fix everything overnight, there are always ways to push back against the overwhelm you may be feeling.
Start with checking in on yourself and the others around you on a regular basis, whether it’s sending a text to your friend or taking a walk to clear your head. Small acts of care can make a difference, and while they won’t fix the governmental institutions, they can help keep you grounded within them.
Getting involved locally would also be great if you’re able. You can join school board meetings, volunteer, or support grassroots organizations doing advocacy and mental health work. Change often begins at the community level, where real support and solidarity are built.
Don’t underestimate the power of your voice, either. Speak up when you see injustice, call your representatives, and vote with mental health in mind. Whether it’s advocating for funding, education, or inclusivity, your voice counts—especially when there are so many being drowned out.
Finally, know that rest is resistance too. Taking a break, logging off, or allowing yourself to feel joy amid chaos isn’t selfish; it’s survival. You never have to earn the right to care for yourself.
