Understanding the Weight of the Moment

Every generation faces uncertainty, but the present moment feels uniquely intense. For many, the daily news cycle is a constant reminder of instability—rising inflation, growing authoritarianism, the erosion of rights, and the surge in deportations. These aren't abstract concerns. They're issues shaping how we live, work, and think. More and more, people are taking advantage of mental health services, not only to deal with personal challenges but to process a collective anxiety that feels overwhelming. At Dr. David Salvage’s practice, we’re seeing a clear uptick in emotional exhaustion tied directly to what’s happening in the world.

The connection between political events and mental health is real. As individuals struggle to adapt to a shifting world, the psychological toll is showing up in our bodies, behaviors, and relationships. The uncertainty around the future isn’t just frustrating—it’s traumatic. And for some, it’s re-traumatizing, reigniting fears and survival instincts that are difficult to shut off.

Economic Instability and the Mental Health Burden

Inflation Is More Than a Financial Issue

Tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and global conflict have all played a role in driving up the cost of living. But for many Americans, what started as economic concern has become chronic stress. Rising food and housing prices mean families are forced to make hard choices about essentials. People who once felt financially stable now find themselves living paycheck to paycheck.

The psychological impact of this strain is significant. Patients report increased irritability, trouble sleeping, and a constant sense of dread. This economic anxiety compounds existing mental health conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder and depression. Even those without a prior mental health diagnosis may begin to experience symptoms—panic attacks, persistent worry, or emotional numbing—simply from the stress of trying to survive in a system that no longer feels supportive.

Financial Strain Affects Relationships and Family Dynamics

It’s not just individuals who suffer when the economy falters. The ripple effects extend into households, partnerships, and parenting. Financial strain often leads to conflict, with couples arguing more frequently and family members withdrawing emotionally. Parents under stress may be less emotionally available to their children, and kids, in turn, may begin to show signs of anxiety or behavioral changes.

Over time, this kind of stress can lead to burnout, especially in caregivers. It can also destabilize households that were previously functional and connected. Psychotherapy can play a critical role here—not just as a space for personal healing, but as a place to rebuild communication, restore empathy, and develop new coping strategies for navigating uncertainty together.

The Emotional Toll of Eroded Rights and Freedoms

Fear and Grief in the Face of Political Regression

Many people are living through the painful realization that rights once taken for granted are no longer guaranteed. Whether it’s the overturning of Roe v. Wade, threats to LGBTQ+ protections, or voting rights being chipped away, these changes create deep psychological responses. Feelings of powerlessness, outrage, and grief are not uncommon.

These experiences are particularly intense for those who belong to already marginalized groups. When the law no longer feels like a source of protection—and instead becomes a tool of oppression—the impact on mental health can be devastating. We often see patients presenting with symptoms of complex trauma, hypervigilance, and even dissociation, as they struggle to reconcile their identity with a society that seems increasingly hostile.

Vicarious Trauma and Collective Stress

Even if an individual is not personally affected by a new law or policy, witnessing injustice happening to others can cause significant emotional pain. This is known as vicarious trauma, and it’s something therapists are seeing more often. For example, white allies who witness violence against Black Americans, or cisgender individuals deeply affected by anti-trans legislation, may feel overwhelmed by guilt, helplessness, and despair.

While it’s important to stay informed and engaged, constantly taking in traumatic news without a healthy outlet can lead to emotional paralysis. Dr. Salvage can help individuals process these emotions in a constructive way—acknowledging pain without becoming consumed by it.

Deportation, Displacement, and the Mental Health Crisis Among Immigrants

The Psychological Damage of Living in Fear

One of the most disturbing realities of the current moment is the rise in aggressive immigration enforcement. Undocumented individuals, asylum seekers, and even naturalized citizens are experiencing heightened scrutiny, detention, and deportation. This has led to widespread fear in immigrant communities—not just of deportation itself, but of being criminalized for existing.

For those affected, the stress is ongoing and profound. It manifests in anxiety, depression, and PTSD-like symptoms. People are afraid to seek medical help, report crimes, or even send their children to school. Living in constant fear activates the body’s stress response system, which, over time, can wear down both physical and mental health.

Generational Trauma in Mixed-Status Families

Children of immigrants often bear the emotional brunt of immigration policy. In mixed-status families, where some members are citizens and others are not, children frequently experience anxiety about being separated from loved ones. The threat may be abstract or immediate, but the emotional toll is real.

Even if deportation never occurs, the constant exposure to this threat can result in generational trauma. These children may grow into adults with heightened sensitivity to loss, abandonment, and control. 

Resilience Through Mental Health Treatment: Finding Stability in an Unstable World

A Tool for Processing Collective Grief

At Dr. David Salvage’s practice, we believe getting help is more than just a way to “fix” problems—it’s a space to reclaim personal power. In today’s political climate, we can provide a sanctuary where individuals can explore grief, rage, anxiety, and disillusionment without judgment.

The key is processing these emotions in a healthy, grounded way. Avoiding or denying them often leads to deeper psychological distress. On the other hand, engaging with these emotions in a therapeutic setting can help individuals develop resilience, clarity, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Creating Mental Safe Spaces When the World Feels Unsafe

Dr. Salvage provides a sense of structure and support, especially valuable when the outside world feels chaotic or unsafe. Grounding techniques, EMDR, and mindfulness practices are all tools that help patients stay connected to the present moment—even when that moment feels overwhelming.

Moreover, working with a trauma-informed clinician who understands the political context of your pain can make a huge difference. At Dr. Salvage’s office, patients are met with empathy, not clinical detachment. We work from a place of mutual respect, recognizing the systemic forces that contribute to emotional suffering.

Mental Health Is Political, and Seeking Help Is Powerful

In a world that often devalues emotional experience, prioritizing mental health is an act of resistance. Seeking help doesn’t mean you’re weak. It means you’re choosing to confront the world with your eyes open and your heart intact.

If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or simply trying to make sense of what’s happening in the world today, you’re not alone. Dr. David Salvage is here to help you navigate these complex emotional realities with honesty, compassion, and clarity.