Coping with the anger. Any suggestions?

[Mike 03]

I've been so upset and angry over the past two weeks, watching as the repukes from hell totally destroy President Obama's vision for hope?

Anyone else having trouble with this period lately? Any ideas as to how to cope with it?

I'm serious. I can't sleep. I'm full of angry feelings.

[Oceansaway]

1. i do hitters when it gets that bad.....n/t

[IGotAName]

2. Don't worry too much.

Obama's strong and highly intelligent. He's got four years in which to get things moving in the right direction, and I get the feeling he's going to do just that.

[Greyhound]

18. We don't have four years.

Is this not getting through?

Tens of millions of people are in dire straights, right now. We need to do something right now and if we don't, things will get really ugly very soon which will only make things worse for people, apparently like you (apologies in advance if I'm wrong), that seem to be under the impression that "business as usual" is good enough.

[rucky]

3. Write letters and don't send 'em. n/t

[SidneyCarton]

4. Do good in your sphere.

The best way to battle frustration is through meaningful work. Volunteer, work at a food bank, soup kitchen, help a family member, a neighbor, give some change to a guy on the corner. Do some good, lift those around you. You alone cannot change the way things are going in Washington (Though calling your Congress member would help) but you can help those around you, and if we all were a little kinder and more helpful to each other, we would be better fortified to face the mess at hand.

[CTyankee]

22. To me, it's a one on one deal. I have a student I am tutoring in ESOL.

She is a Chinese woman who is trying to make it as a single parent with an 8 year old daughter.

I am hoping she will improve her English to where she can get a better job and get ahead.

For now, this is all I feel I can contribute to the effort...hope it works for my student.

[merh]

I don't see it as destroying anything - especially the vision for hope.

I see it as government working, though the repugs are being obstructionists, the balance of powers is functioning as intended. Hope still lives, Obama is very capable and it is just his first month in office, the 8 years of destruction cannot be healed or corrected in one year, let alone in one month.

The best way to cope is to be a realist and know that it will take time, don't expect miracles overnight.

[Believing Is Art]

5. Same here

Sometimes I go a day or two just avoiding the news. Other days I try to concentrate on the good stuff. Other days I write jokes about the Republicans. If these things stop working, I might start writing my senators (McConnell and Bunning) just to vent.

[Catshrink]

6. Turn off the TV and take a break from it all.

It does get overwhelming at times. I've had to take breaks from time to time just to stay sane. But I trust Obama to do what is right. I don't trust Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi but that's a different matter.

Read a good novel, listen to Mozart, plant a garden. Let it go for a few days.

[southernyankeebelle]

7. A lot of us are in the bus

I feel so helpless at times. I find myself screaming at the TV. I have sent e-mails to my senator and congressman. I wonder if they are even reading them or are they just being thrown in the trash can. I hate the way the republicans are not wanting to cooperate. They should be ashamed.

[Frustratedlady]

8. It's a lot different seeing Obama criticized for what he is doing...

than criticizing the jerk we had in the Oval Office before. I hear ya.

It helps to find others as angry as you on DU and getting it out of your system. I also have friends and family I can discuss it to. It seems to me that the more I talk about it, the easier it is. Once we get a few wins under our belt, we can relax and watch Obama work. I think he'll be OK once he gets past being polite and giving the Repugs the benefit of the doubt. They are playing dirty with him, but made one big mistake today...knocking out education and cops.

They'll pay for that.

Get outside and get busy on a project where you have to rechannel your thoughts. We all have the winter blahs on top of the anger from high prices for everything from energy to food, then to see how TARP money was spent for bonuses and screw jobs.

It ain't easy, but it can be done. Good luck! Just remember, Obama is working hard to get his programs through. We've got to watch his back.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

9. Here's how I'm dealing with it -

1) I watch TV comedy that I like
2) I talk to friends about topics OTHER than economics and how disgusting Repukes are
3) I think of the fact that until 4 years from now (when we will campaign for Obama again in that huge way we did last time, and win), Obama will be in office
4) I think of the fact that the more years Obama is in office, the more Democrats we'll have in government positions and they will CHANGE the U.S. whether Repukes like it or not
5) I think of how much everyone HATES corporate America, CEOs, and how perspective is slowly being regained.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

10. Also, Repukes are in trouble from now on - we are in charge...

Think of that.

PLUS, other than continue the fight against them to leave them helpless and powerless, I think we're doing good. We can't kill them off you know! lol We'll just dismantle their organizations.

[sandnsea]

11. Create a local "Organizing For America" group

So we're all ready to fight harder next time.

[jazzjunkysue]

12. Cheap red wine.

[TheCowsCameHome]

13. Back away from the'puter and media and chill out.

The world will still be there when you get back.

[Parker CA]

14. Run or walk, if it's too cold, just getting outside for some fresh air, turning the tv off, & music.

[NeedleCast]

15. Avoid politics for awhile

Seriously man, life doesn't have to be about politics 24/7. Take a hike. Cook something you like to eat. Get a massage. Turn it off for awhile.

[Coexist]

16. take a Phelps break.

[Jane Austin]

23. Mike, you can get some Bach Rock Rose Remedy for about $15

at your local health food store (or at www.dogstuff.com) to help calm you.

It's great for shutting off the mind racing when you're trying to sleep.

No interference with meds and no hangover effects as with tranquelizers.

And I second what others have said about getting outside and doing something for someone else.

If you have the space, try growing some safe food for your local food bank.

Rock Rose. I'm never without it.

[NashVegas]

17. Are You Sure It's Republicans That Are Causing?

Mike, I've been following your threads. The ones that aren't about politics. Or celebrities.

Anger usually rises because we feel helpless about something.

I'm so sorry for what you're going through.

[IGotAName]

19. Boxer's been pushing some BS multinational profits tax break.

Supported by the Repukes, and condemned by the Dems.

http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/asection/la-na-barbara-boxer6-2009feb06,0,6742247.story

Bizarre.

She shouldn't be pulling that crap. Such opportunism doesn't belong in the bill.

[Enrique]

20. take action

realize that people are fighting, and join them.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x4997894

[Warpy]

21. Yes, multiply it by millions

The game playing GOP will reap the whirlwind and they are welcome to it.

[mdmc]

24. Courage, my friend

When you start to develop symptoms of anger refocus your mind. Think with sincerity about anything other then politics. You can control this stress.

And always remember karma and impermanence. Obama needs to be mindful of 2010 and 2012. If the GOP stand up against a nice jobs bill, then Obama will score in 2010 and 2012. Everything has its purpose.

[chrisa]

25. We wait.

The GOP is cracking at the seams, and is showing signs of self-destructing. Have patience.

[scarletwoman]

26. I continue to drink heavily. Although I probably won't be able to afford it much longer.

:P

[LSK]

27. I had 8 years of practice dealing with their outrageous bullshit