Finding Radical Hope: A Framework for Mental Health When Times are Dire
How to progress when hope is in short supply
I can’t think of anyone who isn’t struggling to find hope right now.
Not only are we dealing with climate change and large-scale natural disasters (such as the LA Wildfires which have just reached full containment), but we’re also dealing with a new presidential administration that seems hellbent on rolling back significant social progress we’ve made in modern history.
Theses times are hard, and hope is hard to come by.
As I sit in reflection of all the fear and anxiety so many of us are feeling, I’m reminded of some helpful social science research I came across in the midst of the COVID pandemic titled Radical Hope in Revolting Times.
As you may remember, in 2020 not only were we living with the trauma of a once-in-a-hundred years disease, but we were also dealing with the high-profile deaths of Ahmaud Arbery and George Floyd in particular, which kicked off large-scale protest for social justice.
Even as I think about this time now, my eyes sting in remembrance of those we lost, and all the terrible grief and fear I was feeling at the time. Just as it was then, it is now. Now we all have to regroup and find a way to move forward in spite of the current challenges, and the challenges still to come for us and those we love.
But how can we manage to find and practice hope in times such as these? What can help us search deep enough to find something, anything that’s worth holding on to?
These are hard questions and no one has all the right answers, but as I think about what we need right now, I was reminded of some research that offers up a new blueprint, particularly for People of Color in the United States.
“Radical hope in revolting times: Proposing a culturally relevant psychological framework” focuses on the need for hope in communities of color in the United States. It also offers that this framework could be applied to other circumstances (maybe even other moments around the world?) . But, as with any research, it’s important to keep in mind that not any theory aligns with everyone and that’s OK.
To put it simply, if it doesn’t apply, let if fly.
Now, on to the framework.
“Radical Hope in Revolting Times” Framework
Here are four key principles that may help you find hope in times such as these:
Understanding resistance throughout history
The blueprints for progress and success are held within the stories of our ancestors. In this article the authors explore the importance of “transgenerational knowledge” as a vital tool in finding resistance efforts. This knowledge, they assert, also promotes a sense of radical hope and confidence that further change is achievable. For People of Color, the knowledge of these efforts helps reaffirm the capacity for collective change.
Learning and understanding history also helps us contextualize the issues we currently face. Perhaps this is why teaching the full truth of American history has come under fire by the more extreme conservative politicians. Maybe they know our history holds a helpful blueprint for which generations to come will learn how to resist and keep the arc of progress pointing towards equality.
Call to action: Read, read, read. Read about the rich stories of rebuilding and resistance throughout history.
Ancestral Pride
It’s long been established that racial and ethnic pride, particularly from parents, can help children of color bolster themselves against the racism and discrimination that they may encounter in daily life. This kind of pride has been found to increase hope. While knowledge itself is helpful, the authors suggest rather than just consuming historical information about the achievements and sacrifices of our ancestors, we should also practice “respect and admiration.”
Call to action: Not only spend time reading about the sacrifices of the ancestors, but also practice active “positive regard” and gratitude. Write thank you notes or letters or meditate on the sacrifices of trailblazers, etc. for reverence and inspiration.
Imagining visions of a bold, new future
One of the ideas that strikes me most about this research is the relationship between envisioning possibilities for a better future within and between communities. In the article, the researchers explore how looking back while also looking towards more collective liberation and healing can help us envision bold new steps toward equality, thus facilitating hope. Despite these dreams seeming far-fetched at some time in history (like ending chattel slavery, gaining the right to vote, etc.), these tasks were achievable through radical envisioning within multiethnic coalitions. It’s a powerful reminder how important dreaming is when it comes to creating new, healthier, possibilities.
Call to action: Practice tapping into collective shared memories of oppression, then organize and contribute on issues that still require intervention (such as mass incarceration, drug and immigrant policies, environmental activism, etc.).
Meaning-making and finding purpose
As is explored throughout the research, a focus on connection within, and between, communities is helpful. The social and spiritual sense of duty and responsibility for the well-being of not just yourself, but your family, community, and other communities abroad helps us find a sense of purpose driven by the desire for social change. This kind of communal care ethic is evident in almost all resistance efforts throughout history, and for good reason. Not only does it point to a responsibility for all who suffer, but collective purpose also creates a sense of interdependence through which faith and inspiration continue to ebb and flow through communities, strengthening the bonds and enlivening efforts towards resistance for all.
Call to action: Conceptualize any resistance efforts as acts that not only impact the self, family, and community, but also the greater world majority. Make and maintain meaningful positive relationships with folks of different backgrounds, on both personal and collective action efforts.
As mentioned earlier, I came across this research years ago when it first came out during the heights of COVID. As we enter a new era of very challenging policy change and fascism, it’s important for the sake of our mental health that we have practical psychological tools and frameworks that help bolster and inspire us.
I’ll also add that this framework is not exhaustive, and neither are the suggestions in this piece. Let this information be a jumping off point as you explore how you can better craft progress for both self and community care in the coming years.
The movement towards true equality requires all of us. Let’s hope that we can continue to create a world that actually embodies the life that our fore-parents and ancestors dared to imagine. In the meantime, take good care of yourself and lean on hope.
As journalist Jim Acosta recently said following his departure from longtime job at CNN: “Don’t give in to the lies. Don’t give in to fear. Hold on to the truth…and hope.”
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