If there’s one thing Americans can agree on right now, it’s this: political anxiety is at an all-time high. Whether you lean left, right, or somewhere in between, the uncertainty surrounding policies, elections, and societal shifts can leave you feeling powerless. Scrolling through social media, watching endless news cycles, or debating with family members at the dinner table often fuels frustration rather than providing relief.
Psychologists have long pointed out that uncertainty is one of the biggest triggers of anxiety. And what do most of us do when we feel that unease creeping in? We doom-scroll, complain, or—worse—numb out. But the antidote to that helpless feeling isn’t avoidance. It’s action.
Taking meaningful steps, no matter how small, can shift you from a place of powerlessness to a mindset of purpose. And in a city like Los Angeles, there are countless ways to turn that anxious energy into something productive.
The Cost of Inaction
It’s easy to think, What’s the point? I’m just one person. But inaction has a cost—on both an individual and societal level. When we stew in helplessness, stress takes a toll on our mental and physical well-being. Studies show that chronic political anxiety can lead to sleep issues, increased irritability, and even feelings of hopelessness. Worse, disengagement allows the loudest, most extreme voices to shape the narrative, often drowning out the perspectives of those who want real solutions.
Instead of feeling like a bystander to history, imagine channeling that anxious energy into something that gives you a sense of control. The key is finding action that aligns with your values and interests, making participation feel empowering rather than overwhelming.
Turning Anxiety Into Action: Where to Start
If you're in Los Angeles and looking for ways to make a difference, here are a few places to begin:
1. Support Voter Engagement Efforts
One of the most effective ways to create change is by ensuring that people have access to the ballot box. Get involved by:
Volunteering with California Common Cause to help with voter education and election protection.
Becoming a poll worker through the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder to ensure fair and accessible elections.
Joining League of Women Voters LA, which works to inform and register voters across communities.
2. Advocate for the Unhoused Population
LA’s homelessness crisis is a major political and humanitarian issue. If this is an area you feel passionate about, you can:
Volunteer with LA Family Housing to support individuals transitioning out of homelessness.
Join outreach efforts through The People Concern, where you can distribute supplies and provide resources.
Work with PATH (People Assisting The Homeless) to advocate for long-term policy solutions.
3. Help Bridge Political Divides
If you’re tired of the polarization, consider getting involved in efforts that promote dialogue and understanding:
Attend or host a Braver Angels workshop, where people from different political backgrounds engage in constructive conversations.
Support local journalism through organizations like KPCC/LAist, which provides fact-based reporting that counters misinformation.
Join civic engagement groups like CivicWell that focus on policy solutions over partisanship.
4. Work on Climate and Environmental Justice
For those concerned about climate policies, direct action is key:
Participate in clean-up days with Heal the Bay to protect LA’s coastlines.
Support legislative advocacy through LA Forward, which works on climate justice initiatives.
Volunteer with TreePeople, an organization focused on urban greening and community-driven sustainability efforts.
5. Mentor and Educate the Next Generation
Empowering young people with critical thinking skills and civic awareness can shape the future. You can:
Become a mentor through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles to support at-risk youth.
Volunteer with 826LA, which helps students develop their writing and communication skills.
Assist with after-school programs that focus on leadership development and civic engagement.
The Ripple Effect of Action
Taking action doesn’t mean you have to lead a national movement or dedicate every weekend to activism. Even a few hours spent volunteering, donating, or engaging in constructive dialogue can lessen feelings of helplessness. It reminds you that you do have influence, that you can be part of a larger effort toward change.
When you act, you contribute not just to a cause, but to your own mental well-being. The shift from worry to action is a shift from chaos to clarity, from frustration to purpose. And that, in itself, is a radical form of self-care.
So, the next time you feel overwhelmed by the state of the world, don’t just sit with it. Channel it. Find a way to contribute, and let action replace anxiety.
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