Managing Anxiety from Social Unrest: Small Actions to Create Lasting Impacts
- Carolyn Morris, LCSW
- Feb 2
- 4 min read
Over the past few weeks, there have been more and more news reports that are overwhelming, portraying events that many never imagined possible. For tips on taking care of yourself, click here for the first post in this series.
Small Actions That Create Real Change
When considering how to cope in times of overwhelm, times that are out of your control, many people reference the Star Thrower story by Loren Eiseley. In his writing, Eiseley relays a story of a beach covered in starfish washed up out of the water, baking in the hot sun. As they lay there in the sun, they die, but in the midst of the star fish is a person throwing them back into the water one by one. When asked why he should bother throwing them back when there are so many more than he can save - he responds with the hopeful inspiration that his small effort makes a difference to the individual starfish that made it back into the water. Inspired by the Star Thrower story, here are practical ways to make a small difference in your community and beyond:
1. Volunteer Locally
The distress caused by the news often creates a lot of built up energy, sometimes in the form of anger and sometimes in the form of fear. Sitting with this energy is not only uncomfortable, it is detrimental to your health. This energy needs to be channeled into something as a way to release it and reduce stress in your system. Local organizations often need help with food distribution, tutoring, environmental cleanups, or supporting vulnerable populations. Volunteering connects you with others and creates tangible benefits as well as providing an outlet for your stress. Stay tuned for the third post in this series discussing where to focus your volunteering or advocacy help.
2. Support Causes Financially or Through Advocacy
Not everyone has the time in their life to devote to volunteering. If time is limited, donating to trusted charities or advocating for policies you believe in can amplify your impact. Even sharing information to raise awareness helps. There are many resources that list charities, what they are doing, and how you can help financially or by spreading awareness. If you don't have time to do your own research, or if that sounds overwhelming, look into those trusted sources to get the guidance you need.
3. Practice Kindness Daily
Simple acts like helping a neighbor, listening to someone in distress, or shopping at local small businesses can build stronger communities. When we are able to give to another person, no matter how small, it generates a feeling of connectedness and brings us our own sense of happiness.
4. Educate Yourself and Others
Understanding issues deeply allows you to make informed decisions and influence others positively. Host discussions or share resources to spread knowledge. Help others find reputable information, steering clear of social media as those sources are often not verified and can be sensationalized for attention. Updating your own voter registration, encouraging people around you to make sure they have signed up for absentee ballots if they can't get to the polls, and letting people know that those ballots often need to be requested EVERY year, can be ways to engage with what is happening. Many of us know friends that perhaps don't like to get involved in all the "drama" of politics and social issues. Encourage them to express their opinions in ways that feel more authentic to them - they don't have to stand on a street corner to express how they feel, and they don't have to agree with you for it to be important for them to be heard. Many people who are eligible to vote and play a role in shaping the future do not make their voice heard. Help them find a way they can get involved, even tangentially, to inspire more positive.
5. Use Your Skills Creatively
Whether you are a writer, artist, teacher, or technician, your skills can support causes or inspire others. For example, creating educational content or organizing community events can generate more connection to others, reducing the feeling of isolation. But your creativity does not need to be focused on organizing and gathering. Use your skills to create art, music, and writings. Art of any kind has a positive and lasting impact on both the artist and the community. You don't have to be a fantastic artist either, the simple act of creating generates positivity in your brain and allows for a release of the stress that has built up over time.
How to Stay Motivated When Progress Feels Slow
Change often takes time, and setbacks can be discouraging. Here are ways to maintain motivation:
Celebrate small wins: Recognize every starfish you throw back into the ocean.
Set realistic goals: Break larger problems into manageable steps.
Connect with like-minded people: Shared purpose fuels perseverance.
Reflect on your impact: Keep a journal or log of your efforts and their effects.
Remember the bigger picture: Individual actions contribute to collective change.
The Ripple Effect of Individual Actions
The Star Thrower story illustrates how one person’s effort can inspire others. When you act, you may encourage friends, family, or strangers to do the same. This ripple effect can multiply impact far beyond the initial action.
For example, a community member organizing a local cleanup may inspire others to start similar projects nearby. A teacher sharing knowledge about climate change can motivate students to adopt sustainable habits.
Final Thoughts
The Star Thrower story offers a hopeful message: your actions matter, no matter how small they seem. In a world filled with challenges, focusing on what you can do helps manage anxiety and creates real impact. Whether through volunteering, kindness, advocacy, or simply sharing knowledge, each effort counts.
Start by throwing your own starfish back into the ocean today. Your small act could be the spark that inspires others and leads to meaningful change.
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