Thread by @SueBarrett

🧵Are you feeling distress, even physical pain, in response to all the injustices, lies, disinformation happening in the world today? You're not alone. This a real phenomenon & it’s actually quite common, particularly for people with high empathy or sensitivity. 1/1

When we encounter actions that deliberately harm others or manipulate truths, it can trigger both a cognitive & emotional response that often translates into physical discomfort. 1/2

This reaction is tied to a sense of moral outrage & disbelief at what feels like a violation of shared values or human dignity, which can lead to a sense of physical unease or even pain. Here’s a look at some factors at play: 1/3

Empathy & Mirror Neurons: witnessing others suffering or being treated unjustly, our brain's mirror neurons activate, putting us in their shoes. This empathetic response can make us feel distress as if it were happening to us, resulting in both emotional & physical discomfort.1/4

Moral Injury: When we hear about injustices that go unchallenged by those with power, it feels like a breach of moral expectations; what's "right" is violated. The cognitive dissonance between what we think should happen & what actually happens is deeply unsettling & painful. 1/5

Fight-or-Flight Response: In situations of perceived danger, like when confronted with lies or propaganda that threaten social stability, our bodies often trigger a fight-or-flight response (cortisol) causing physical sensations of distress, tension, & sometimes pain. 1/6

Heightened Sensitivity: Highly sensitive people (HSPs) or those who are deeply empathetic often feel these reactions more intensely. Injustice & disinformation can feel like a personal attack on one’s values & worldview, heightening the physical & emotional response. 1/7

As for whether this response is universal, it does vary among individuals. Many people are disturbed by lies & injustice, but those with heightened empathy or who have a strong moral compass may feel these experiences more acutely. Others might be less affected. 1/8

For those experiencing this distress, it's a natural reaction to the overwhelming amount of disinformation & injustice that exists; as hard as it can be it’s a signal of the depth of your empathy & integrity.
So don't forget we're the ones we've been waiting for.
Onward we press.

🧵Here are 10 ways we can channel our distress into positive action.

10 things we can do that are empowering, uplifting & practical.

10 things we can do to turn our frustration & angst into something constructive & amazing.

Remember, we are the ones we have been waiting for.

1. Educate and Inform: Use your voice to spread awareness. Share accurate info highlighting injustices in a balanced, factual way to combat dis/misinformation. Write articles, post on SM, create videos, participate in discussions to reach people who may not be aware of the issues

2. Get Involved Locally: Change often starts at the grassroots level. Join or support local groups focused on social justice, climate action, human rights, or community welfare. Volunteering in community meetings can amplify your impact.
e.g. @CommunityIndeps

3. Support Credible Media: subscribe to credible, ethical journalism. By helping keep trustworthy media outlets afloat, you’re contributing to a landscape where truth has a place. Support balanced reporting can encourage others to seek accurate information. See @deniseshrivell

4. Channel Your Energy Creatively: Expressing frustration creatively can be deeply therapeutic & impactful. Writing, painting, or even developing public art installations can allow others to connect emotionally to an issue and may inspire change.

5. Engage in Advocacy & Policy Change: Sometimes, real impact comes from changing the systems themselves. Advocacy groups often work to influence policy; supporting them or directly engaging in advocacy efforts.
Like voting in @zdaniel in #Goldstein

6. Practice Mindful Activism: Instead of trying to address all injustices, focus on specific causes where you feel you can have the greatest impact. Specialising in a particular area can give you a sense of accomplishment, prevent burnout, & make your efforts more effective.

7. Mentor & Educate Future Leaders: Use your knowledge & experience to empower the next generation. You can mentor young activists, students, or community members, teaching them about critical thinking, empathy, & the importance of standing up for what’s right.

8. Take Care of Your Well-being: Remember that caring deeply can lead to emotional fatigue, so prioritise self-care. Practices like meditation, exercise, journaling, chats with friends helps manage & channel our emotions in healthier ways, helping us stay engaged & resilient.

9. Network with Like-minded People: Collaborate with others who share your values. Working with others can provide emotional support, build momentum, & increase the impact of your actions.
Join groups like @CommunityIndeps , @VoGoldstein, #TeamZoe & @zdaniel & other Voices groups

10. Stay Informed & Set Boundaries: Balance staying informed with limiting exposure to -ve news. Curate what you consume to focus on constructive & actionable news, not just distressing headlines, to help sustain your energy for the long haul. Watch who you let near your mind.

By transforming pain into purpose, we not only protect our own well-being but also contribute to a more just & compassionate world.

Remember we have the agency to create the positive changes we want to see: We ARE the ones we have been waiting for.
Onward we press.