Hopelessness (noun): an intense emotion or state of distress that can often negatively impact the way one perceives not only themselves but also the world around them.
For the past few weeks, I, like many others, have become engrossed in the gut-wrenching crises occurring around the world. It feels like every day we are introduced to a new headline illustrating another innocent death at the hands of an epidemic known as systemic racism and police brutality. It feels like every day the circumstances for the people of Yemen become worse and their chance for survival grows even slimmer.
After what feels like weeks of constant bad news and unfathomable behavior, my initial feelings of anger and remorse slowly transitioned into feelings of hopelessness and frustration. All the injustices of the world are being brought to light and served to us as one big slap to the face. It feels like so many people are in need of immediate help. I gradually began to lose hope in the fact that I, as an individual, could help make an impact on reformation.
For many of us, it may feel like everything we once perceived in a positive light is changing right in front of our eyes and all we can do is stand powerless, and watch those we trusted transform into villains. This state of helplessness and betrayal is often accompanied by a range of strong emotions, such as anger, frustration, and sadness. Considering the magnitude of our current events, it is completely understandable to feel overwhelmed and maybe even a little intimidated. But here’s the thing, these emotions that you may be feeling should not be seen as a sign of weakness, but instead, as a sign of power and strength. Personally, I have a bad habit of bottling up my emotions and leaving them unexpressed, allowing them to weigh me down and get the best of me. Not only is this approach unhealthy as it invalidates my feelings, but it also fails to recognize the root of the problem. In order for any of us to utilize our emotions as a positive source to help ourselves and others, it is imperative for us to confront our internal struggles and understand the context at which these feelings arose. By doing this, we can gain a newfound drive and passion which can push us to take action in order to ignite a positive change as a united community.
Yes, change is uncomfortable and sometimes even terrifying. Instead of falling into a state of denial, embrace these feelings of discomfort and take it as an opportunity to learn more about making a difference in today’s society. Right now, more than ever, the world needs us. The fact of the matter is, the black community has struggled with acts of racism and injustice for years. The people of Yemen have been suffering from famine and war for years. Many of us want to see immediate change but we need to understand that these crises require a movement and not just a brief moment of attention. This should be seen as a long-term fight, not just as another summer trend. What may feel like a small act of service to you can help change the lives of many. So keep signing those petitions, keep educating yourself, keep posting crucial information on social media, keep donating to different organizations, and keep having progressive conversations with your friends and family. Every single one of these actions is a step in the right direction. Whether you know it or not, you can make a difference.
How to help:
Written by: Maheen Ismail