Are You Concerned About Civil Discord?
We see, in the news, instances of election-related violence. The discord seems to be between the far right against others and the far left against others; and although this has been going on for some time, it seems to be intensifying as the election approaches. This was brought home to me personally when I read about an act of violence about five minutes from my home.
When it Impacts You
I live in a small city (population c. 70,000) in California. Several nights ago, a group of 20 - 25 protesters surrounded a car, forcing it to stop, and several of them tried to pull open the driver’s side door. Two police officers saw what was happening, activated their lights and sirens, and with a bullhorn ordered the protesters to disperse; but the protesters began kicking the car and continuing to try to open the door. Some of them then headed toward the police. Fearing for their lives, the police shot two foam rounds at the protesters, whereupon they scattered. The people in the car were not injured but were scared. I drive on that street frequently; it could have been me in that car.
Less Immediate Situations
In several conservative northern counties, there is a decades-old movement to break off from democratic California and form their own state: the “State of Jefferson.” When I was working temporarily in a clinic near that area, my next door neighbor flew a “State of Jefferson” flag. These people are now threatening violence if their counties try to enforce the state COVID guidelines.
General Situations
We have read other accounts of armed protesters threatening to commit mayhem in various locations. These threats add another level of concern to our already difficult situation. Many people are already feeling anxious about the danger of COVID itself, and the difficulties it is causing in their lives. Their anxiety is being heightened by of the prospect of civil disturbances.
How Critical is Your Situation?
Your level of anxiety about the prospect of civil discord will be determined partly by how directly you have already been effected, what the likelihood is that you will be in the future, and what your background level of anxiety is (which is determined by past experiences). My complimentary Tool can help. When used to help with the anxiety itself, the Tool will provide periods of peacefulness and calm. And in Step 3, you can wish for a new mental pathway dedicated to helping you stay safe.
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