It feels like we are nearing the end of history, though I believe that we are not. What good does therapy do while the world burns under capitalism?
If you come from the perspective that there is a chance to end capitalism through societal transformation, you will need all the care, growth, and hustle-deprogramming that you can get as capitalism works against your mental health. A revolutionary mindset has at many points throughout history improved the quality of life for everyday people, but the system pushes back against those who affect change, and pushes back HARD. And guess what, there are a ton of neurodivergent people among activists and community organisers, which makes managing exhaustion more of a challenge when you’re not riding the wave. But this is good work.
The world needs you, and needs you intact.
Therapy is one of many forms of self-care in this hostile world. But,
Some folks feel that we are essentially in an apocalyptic event and there is no avoiding the path we’re on. If you come from the perspective that we cannot stop the advance of capitalism and are doomed to live in the last days of human society, consider this.
Regardless of the shape of society, some things will continue to benefit the quality of life for you and your community:
🌱Coping skills for anxiety and depression
🌱A healthy relationship with rest
🌱Listening skills (which start by being listened to)
🌱Being out of trigger state from childhood or past relationships
🌱Experience being deeply understood
🌱A sense of confidence around a diagnosis
🌱Communication skills
🌱Healthy boundaries
🌱Manageable levels of internal conflict
🌱A sense of self-worth
🌱The ability to garner purpose and meaning
🌱Stable mood
🌱The ability to tolerate grief
🌱Conflict management and resolution skills
🌱A level of wisdom and maturity which makes you a good mentor to younger people
🌱The ability to process difficult thoughts and feelings
🌱The ability to hold space for multiple (conflicting) perspectives
🌱Self-actualisation
🌱Responses rather than reactions
🌱Inner peace
🌱Increased openness to connection and friendships (which is facilitated by trauma healing)
The times ahead will be tough, no two ways about it.
Building community and building skills are our best bet.
How can you build yourself?
In camaraderie,
Melanie
Melanie Gruben, M.Ps.S.I.
Psychologist accredited with the Psychological Society of Ireland.
Leftist, researcher, agitator, hurdy gurdy hobbyist.
I provide class-conscious, queer, transfeminist, ENM and kink-aware neurodivergent psychotherapy online for Ireland, the UK, and Europe.