Dear Warriors of our BIPOC, QTPoC, and LGBTQIA2S+ Communities,

We see you. We hear you. We stand with you.

As another election season bears down upon us, we at Phoenix Rising Centers feel the weight of anxiety, fear, and uncertainty that settles on our shoulders like a heavy cloak. For many of us, especially those already battling the demons of trauma and PTSD, elections aren't just about political choices – they're about our very existence, our rights, our freedoms, and our futures.

The Emotional Battlefield of Elections

Let's be real: Election stress is more than just a buzzword. It's a visceral, all-consuming force that can shake us to our core:

1. Anxiety that Screams: It's not just unease; it's a deafening alarm that rings constantly, reminding us of what's at stake.

2. Hypervigilance on Overdrive: For our PTSD warriors, the world becomes a minefield of triggers – every headline, every debate, every casual conversation a potential explosion of emotions.

3. Emotional Marathons: We're running a race with no finish line in sight, pushing our hearts and minds to exhaustion.

4. Trauma Resurrected: Words thrown carelessly by politicians or pundits can rip open old wounds, forcing us to relive past horrors.

5. Isolation in a Crowd: When it feels like the world is choosing sides, we can find ourselves adrift, disconnected even from those we love.

6. Our Bodies, Our Battlegrounds: Sleepless nights, churning stomachs, pounding headaches – our bodies bear the scars of this unseen war.

Rising Above: Our Battle Cry for Resilience

But hear this: We are not victims. We are survivors, fighters, and changemakers. Here's how we reclaim our power:

1. Media Detox: Arm yourself with information, not inflammation. Choose your sources wisely and know when to unplug.

2. Radical Self-Love: In a world that often tells us we don't matter, loving ourselves becomes an act of rebellion. Embrace it fiercely.

3. Community is Strength: Reach out, connect, rally. Our power lies in our unity.

4. Action as Antidote: Channel your passion into purpose. Vote, volunteer, speak out – be the change you wish to see.

5. Routine as Resistance: In chaos, find your rhythm. Let your daily rituals be anchors in the storm.

6. Grounding in Truth: When the world spins, find your center. Use grounding techniques to remind yourself of your strength and resilience.

7. Professional Allies: Our therapists aren't just professionals; they're warriors in your corner, armed with understanding and expertise.

For Our PTSD Survivors: You Are Not Alone

To those battling PTSD, we see your unique struggle:

1. Know Your Battleground: Identify your triggers and arm yourself with coping strategies.

2. Fortify Your Safe Havens: Create spaces where the election chaos cannot reach you.

3. Your Coping Tools Are Your Weapons: Use every technique you've learned – they are your sword and shield.

4. Find Your Fellow Warriors: Connect with those who truly understand. Your shared experiences are a powerful bond.

Your Voice, Your Power

Remember this truth: Your voice echoes through history. Your vote is a declaration of your worth, your rights, and your dreams for a better future. When you engage in democracy, you're not just participating – you're leading a revolution of hope.

At Phoenix Rising Centers, we're more than just therapists – we're your allies, your advocates, your fellow fighters in this battle for emotional wellbeing. Our diverse team stands ready to support you with culturally rich, trauma-informed care that honors your unique experiences and strengths.

This election season, as the world seems to shake beneath our feet, stand tall. Reach out. Let us face this together, not just as individuals, but as a community united in strength, resilience, and unwavering hope.

You are seen. You are heard. You are valued. And together, we will rise.