Helpful Strategies for Coping with Political Threats Against Women’s Rights
All over the world, women’s rights have come under fire recently. Anti-women sentiment has ramped up with the goal of restricting bodily autonomy and women’s independence. Threats to reproductive health access, workplace equity, and personal safety are leaving women and their allies feeling deeply distressed.
If you’re grappling with the difficulty of the political situation, you’re not alone. Here are strategies that can help you cope, stay resilient, and take meaningful action.
Acknowledge Your Emotions
It’s natural to feel anger, sadness, and frustration when your rights or the rights of those you care about are under threat. Suppressing these emotions can ultimately make you feel worse. Instead, create space to acknowledge what you’re feeling without judging yourself. It’s okay to react with whatever emotions you have.
Educate Yourself, but Set Boundaries
Staying informed is important for understanding exactly how women’s rights are being eroded and strategies for keeping up political activism. However, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by a constant exposure to this type of distressing information.
To strike a balance, set limits on how much time you spend reading the news or scrolling through social media. Look for reliable, fact-based sources and only allocate specific times during the day to catch up on updates.
Remember, taking breaks from the news doesn’t mean you’re ignoring the issue—it means you’re protecting your mental health so you can stay engaged in the long term.
Find Your Community
You don’t have to face these challenges alone. Find solidarity by connecting with others who are just as concerned about the political situation as you are. Look for local or online groups that focus on women’s rights advocacy. Whether it’s attending a rally, joining a support group, or participating in community activism, these connections can remind you that collective action is possible and effective.
If you’re not sure where to start, organizations like Planned Parenthood, the National Organization for Women (NOW), and smaller grassroots groups often host initiatives that welcome new members.
Take Action, Big or Small
Taking direct action will make you feel less helpless about your place in this fight. Keep the focus on what you can control with your time, effort, skills, and money. Advocacy efforts come in many forms, and each contribution matters. Here are some ways to get involved:
Donate to organizations working to protect and expand women’s rights
Support local initiatives that do direct outreach with at-risk women
Vote in local, state, and national elections and encourage others to do the same
Contact your representatives to voice your concerns (many advocacy groups provide templates or tools to make this process easier)
Engage in conversations to raise awareness, whether it’s with friends, family, or coworkers
Prioritize Self-Care
In a world dedicated to erasing women’s rights, taking care of your mental health is an act of resistance. Identify activities that replenish your mental and physical health. For some, this might mean spending time in nature, exercising, or engaging in creative outlets like painting or writing. For others, it might mean practicing restorative yoga, enjoying a favorite meal, or getting a good night’s sleep. Make time for these activities, even when life feels chaotic.
Celebrate Wins, No Matter How Small
In the fight for women’s rights, progress can sometimes feel slow. Celebrating even small victories can boost your morale and remind you that change is possible. Whether it’s a new policy, a successful protest, or a personal milestone, take time to acknowledge and appreciate the progress being made by people like you.
Get Professional Help
If the stress of political threats is affecting your mental health, consider reaching out to a therapist. A mental health professional can help you develop coping strategies, avoid feeling too burned out or despairing, and keep up hope. To find a safe space to explore your experiences and plan your next steps, schedule your therapy appointment today.
