By Dr. Brianna Gaynor, Licensed Psychologist & Author of Nina’s Smile
Dancing in the Rain
From polarized politics to climate crises, today’s chaos can leave even the strongest among us feeling powerless. As a psychologist who’s navigated my own storms—including the burnout of advocating for trauma survivors during a pandemic—I’ve learned that resilience isn’t about ignoring the storm. It’s about learning to dance in the rain. In my TEDx talk, “When the World Feels Heavy: Finding Light in Collective Trauma”, I shared how faith and science intersect to help us thrive amid chaos. Let’s explore how you can reclaim your agency, starting today.
The Link Between Political Stress & Mental Health
Studies reveal that constant exposure to divisive news—what researchers call “headline anxiety”—impacts sleep, relationships, and even our ability to focus. A 2023 APA survey found that 72% of Americans feel the political climate is a “significant stressor.” As I discussed in my Psychology Today article, “The Invisible Weight of Collective Trauma”, this stress isn’t just emotional—it’s physiological. Our bodies respond to societal chaos as if it’s a personal threat, flooding us with cortisol and keeping us in survival mode.
But here’s the good news: Resilience is a skill, not a trait. And like any skill, it can be learned.
4 Tools to Reclaim Agency
1. Ground in the “Now” (Mindfulness with a Faithful Twist)
When headlines hijack your peace, try this exercise I teach my clients:
- Pause: Close your eyes and breathe deeply.
- Pray: Whisper, “God, help me release what I can’t control.”
- Plant: Feel your feet on the floor, reminding yourself, “This moment is where I live.”
In Nina’s Smile, I share how a client battling climate anxiety found solace in Psalm 46:10 (“Be still, and know that I am God”) paired with mindfulness.
2. Channel Anger into Action
Anger isn’t the enemy—it’s a signal that something matters. During the 2020 racial justice protests, I felt overwhelmed until I joined a local advocacy group. As I wrote in my Authority Magazine interview, “From Fury to Fuel”, action transforms helplessness into hope.
Try this:
- Donate to a cause aligned with your values (even $5 helps!).
- Attend one virtual town hall this month (I’ll be hosting a free workshop on trauma-informed advocacy—details below!).
3. Build a “Hope Squad”
Isolation amplifies chaos; community dilutes it. During the pandemic, my church’s small group became my lifeline. We met weekly via Zoom, blending prayer with practical support (like grocery runs for immunocompromised members).
Create your squad:
- Join a local mutual aid group (search “[Your City] + mutual aid”).
- Start a Nina’s Smile book club (download my free discussion guide here).
4. Limit Doomscrolling
Your brain isn’t built to process global suffering 24/7. A client once told me, “I scroll because I care.” I replied, “But you can’t pour from an empty cup.”
My faith-media diet rule: For every 10 minutes of news, I consume 20 minutes of hope—scripture, uplifting podcasts (Therapy for Black Girls is a fave!), or my niece’s hilarious TikTok dances.
“But Dr. Gaynor, What If I’m Still Overwhelmed?”
In my viral #NinasSmileChallenge, people have shared stories of finding light in darkness. You don’t have to be unshakable. You just need to be willing to rise again—and again.
Join the Resilience Revolution
- Free Workshop: “Coping with Collective Trauma: Science, Faith, and Action” (TBA @ 7 PM ET).
- Read: Nina’s Smile for my techniques to reset during chaos.
- Share: Post your resilience story with #NinasSmileChallenge—you might be featured on my Instagram!
About Dr. Gaynor:
A licensed psychologist, TEDx speaker, and Peace of Mind Psychological Services founder, Dr. Brianna Gaynor blends clinical expertise with faith-based wisdom to help individuals heal from trauma. Her book Nina’s Smile is available on Amazon.
✨ P.S. Follow me on Instagram for daily resilience tips and behind-the-scenes of my book tour!
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