How Not to Lose Your Shit in a World That’s Basically on Fire

Alright, let’s be honest: the current social and political climate is… well, fucked. Every time I scroll the news, it feels like my brain is being politely asked to catch fire and then slammed into a trash compactor. Somehow, I’m managing to keep it together, or at least trying to.

For me, holding it together comes down to three things that keep me grounded: punk rock, community, and my faith. Now, before your eyes glaze over at the word “religion,” hear me out. My faith is as personal to me as whatever you do in your everyday life, and I’m not looking to convert anyone. I don’t subscribe to evangelical Christianity, and I love everyone, period. There’s no room for hate, racism, or bigotry here.

So, now that we’ve cleared that up, let’s get to why we’re really here… a solution to how to survive this chaos without completely losing our shit. To be honest, I’m not entirely sure, but I’ve created a survival guide that’s both personal and slightly unhinged for you to keep on hand. Think of it as advice you’d get sitting around a messy kitchen table with a few friends, some coffee, and a lot of swearing.

1. Scream Until They Hear Us

Loud Music — Punk rock isn’t just music, t’s a lifeline. Blast that shit so loud your neighbors know exactly how pissed off you are. Scream the lyrics in your car. That electric feeling when someone else has captured your exact rage and joy in three chords and a chorus? Therapy, basically, but louder.

“If your playlist doesn’t make your car shake, are you even surviving?”

2. Humans > Isolation

Community — Humans are messy, complicated, and sometimes infuriating, but isolation is a trap. Punk taught me early on that survival isn’t just about yourself; it’s about having people who’ve got your back. Reach out. Show up. Offer coffee, a snack, or just a hug. Those tiny acts of connection are more revolutionary than you think.

“Rebellion isn’t just smashing guitars, it’s showing up for each other.”

3. Bigger Than the Noise

True Faith — True faith isn’t about dogma or judgment. It’s about grounding, hope, and remembering that there’s something bigger than the chaos of the news cycle. Jesus was punk AF (in my humble opinion). He wasn’t hanging out with the elite; he stood side by side with the disenfranchised and underserved. For me, that’s the reminder that love is still a power move, even when everything else feels broken.

“Faith doesn’t have to be quiet. Sometimes it’s screaming in three chords.”

4. Keep Your Eyes Open (But Don’t Freak Out)

Stay Slightly Vigilant — Being aware isn’t paranoia, it’s survival. Know where your support systems are, check in on your mental health, and yes, sometimes it’s okay to unfollow the people who make your brain hurt. Vigilance isn’t fear; it’s making sure you can keep breathing, laughing, and screaming when necessary.

“Unfollow the chaos. Follow your sanity.”

5. Backup Plans That Don’t Suck

Resources That Actually Help — Even the strongest among us need backup. Here are a few organizations doing work that actually matters:

• ACLU – Protecting your rights when the world seems determined to ignore them.

• The Trevor Project – Lifeline for LGBTQ+ youth, because every kid deserves to know they matter.

• Women’s Law Project – Advocating for women’s rights, legal help, and support.

• Headspace – Not a cure-all, but a tiny pause in the chaos can feel revolutionary.

“Even punk rock heroes need a lifeline sometimes. Here’s yours.”

The Bottom Line

This isn’t a manual for perfection. It’s a map for surviving your own outrage, your own fear, and the world’s nonsense. Punk rock, community, faith, vigilance, and a few trusted resources, these are my lifelines. Yours might be different. The point is: find your anchors, hold them tight, and never forget to laugh when the absurdity of it all hits like a truck.

Stay human. Stay loud. Stay alive.