Pine Ridge Pastoral Counseling Services

Pine Ridge Pastoral Counseling Services Founded in 1994, Pine Ridge Pastoral Counseling provides the best mental health counseling via ZOOM as well as useful segments about a mental health issues.

Science Assaulted with the Reprieve of "Reparative “ TherapyWith the soaring price of gas, the Iran War, and the Suprem...
05/01/2026

Science Assaulted with the Reprieve of "Reparative “ Therapy

With the soaring price of gas, the Iran War, and the Supreme Court's latest assault on civil rights, Americans have a lot to worry about. Don't look now, but there is another, ongoing problem that is getting worse, viz., the growing anti-science mentality of our government's leadership.

It’s time for America to restore respect for science. Not only does the misinformation regarding things like climate change, transgender issues, or vaccines defy reason, but it also poses serious risks to our nation’s health and well-being.

Even more discouraging is seeing the Supreme Court continue to chip away at settled science. Consider how they recently overturned Colorado’s law, which banned reparative therapy (RT) https://www.npr.org/2026/03/31/nx-s1-5768170/the-supreme-court-struck-down-a-ban-on-conversion-therapy-in-colorado

This ruling is a serious blow to the authority of medical and psychotherapeutic science. In response, California’s legislature moved to bolster its ban it. In turn, the Washington Post (Post) ran an editorial accusing the California legislature of choosing ideology over freedom of speech. https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2026/04/23/californias-conversion-therapy-bill-puts-ideology-over-free-speech/?fbclid=IwY2xjawRYWyBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeuhPPM6Xvc_ndkNuK6zxQrcCDFrYon5iBmcQgCqiNUsOiqW62c-TAvRG779s_aem_01ftp_xEu-gaKRAP1lmMXg

Further, it condemned California’s legislature’s bill for holding reparative practitioners liable for damages. https://kesq.com/news/2026/04/19/california-responds-to-supreme-court-ruling-on-conversion-therapy-with-new-bill . It argues that a therapist’s freedom of speech trumps the anti-reparative therapy claims, which it calls ideological.

As a licensed mental health counselor, I disagree. (Reparative therapy’ | Pastoral Counseling Syracuse NY) Specifically, the Post editorial is wrong on two counts:

1) Opposition to reparative therapy is based on science and not ideology, and
2) Psychotherapists, like other medical professionals, do not have the same liberty of speech as in private conversations or public debate. Here’s why:

The Settled Science on Homos*xuality and Reparative Therapy

Over the years, the science concerning homos*xuality has changed. Although Sigmund Freud believed that homos*xuality was a neurosis, modern psychiatry does not. Here is a summary of the milestones that altered science’s view of homos*xuality and reparative therapy:

— 1973: The American Psychiatric Association (APA) removed homos*xuality from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), marking the end of it being considered a disorder.

— 1990s: Growing scientific consensus and research findings began to strongly dispute the effectiveness of “reparative” therapies, labeling them, instead, as social prejudice.

— 1997-1998: The APA declared that there was no published scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of reparative therapy.

— 2009: A comprehensive report by the APA officially concluded that conversion therapies are ineffective at changing s*xual orientation and can actually pose risks of harm. https://www.hrc.org/press-releases/medical-experts-lgbtq-people-agree-conversion-therapy-is-no-replacement-for-health-care #:~:text=Conversion%20therapy%20is%20universally%20opposed,the%20American%20School%20Health%20Association .

Laughably, the Post article referred to reparative therapy as a “traditional” view. Okay, in the 17th and 19th centuries, vapors was the traditional view explaining a variety of medical and emotional conditions. Invoking the term “traditional” proves nothing.

In fact, RT is a bogus therapy based on obsolete science. Counseling can not change a person’s s*xual orientation. To be clear, reparative therapy is both ineffective and potentially harmful. Repeated studies link it to increased risks of su***de, depression, and anxiety. https://www.apa.org/topics/lgbtq/evidence-against-conversion-therapy

Note Bene; Studies that claimed high success rates for reparative therapy were fundamentally flawed in their methodology and, thus, their results were biased and invalid. (https://www.hrc.org/resources/the-lies-and-dangers-of-reparative-therapy #:~:text=Some%20right%2Dwing%20religious%20groups,LGBTQ+)%20people%2C%20particularly%20youth )

A Word about the First Amendment and our Constitutional Right to Free Speech

As most folks know, the right of free speech is not unlimited. It does not permit the false yelling of “fire” in a crowded theatre. The logic of restriction is obvious. Such a false alarm could create panic and harm to individuals.

The constitution was primarily concerned with promoting public discourse and protecting the rights of minority political views to be expressed. Even though most speech is protected, the willful spread of malicious misinformation is not.

Legal Exceptions for False or Malicious Speech

Defamation (Libel and Slander): Speech that displays “actual malice”—publishing information with knowledge of its falsity or with reckless disregard for the truth—is not protected when it harms an individual’s reputation. (Supreme Court cases Gertz v. Robert Welch, Inc. (1974) and New York Times v. Sullivan (1964) established the “actual malice” standard for public officials.)

Fraud: Deliberate lies aimed at obtaining money or inducing others to misspend resources are unprotected. Illinois ex rel. Madigan v. Telemarketing Assoc., Inc. (2002) affirmed that consumer protection against misrepresentation is a valid government interest.

Perjury: Lying under oath is not protected because it undermines the integrity of the judicial system. Schenck v. United States (1919) introduced the “clear and present danger” test, famously exemplified by “falsely shouting fire in a theatre”. False Commercial Speech: Misleading or inherently deceptive advertising can be prohibited without violating the First Amendment.

Limitations on Professional/Therapeutic Speech

Although the current Supreme Court has not recognized it, the Professional Speech Doctrine is widely accepted by other courts and legal scholars. https://firstamendment.mtsu.edu/article/professional-speech-doctrine/ #:~:text=The%20professional%20speech%20doctrine%20is,harassing%20patients%20about%20gun%20ownership Basically, it argues that scientifically informed speech made by a licensed professional is essentially different from private conversations or public debate.

It’s important to understand that psychotherapists, like doctors, can’t practice without a license. Thus, having a license places the holder under limits and restrictions of the practice.

For example, if the standards of care are violated, they are liable for malpractice. Likewise, professional boards have the power to revoke a license for providing misinformation.

————————————————————————————With these facts in mind, views that disparage science and replace it with solely religious or political bias must be rejected. Going forward, our highest court must reconsider its position and restore respect for science. A professional speech exemption must be recognized.

The notion that science is just a liberal political point of view is patently irrational. We, as a society, must support reason and not turn the clock back on scientific progress to pander to the fears of the misinformed.

Rev. Michael Heath, LMHC, Fellow AAPC 5 01 2026 Fayetteville NY

www.revmichaelheath.com

AGEISM AND THE STIGMA OF SENIOR S*XUALITYRecently, I attended a workshop about s*xual well-being for seniors, and it was...
04/16/2026

AGEISM AND THE STIGMA OF SENIOR S*XUALITY

Recently, I attended a workshop about s*xual well-being for seniors, and it was a real eye-opener. Although my practice specializes in human s*xuality, I was surprised to learn just how much the healthcare system fails older folks when it comes to s*x. Neglect in attending to their s*xual needs increases their risk of both physical and emotional disorders. . Here are some things to think about:

Senior Citizens: A Growing Population

For those who wonder why be concerned about seniors, it is important to understand that their population is growing. Currently, almost 1 in 5 are over 65 and 1 in 4 is over 60. In terms of numbers, there are over 86 million Americans aged 65 or older. Get the Facts on Older Americans. Given this trend, the number of folks affected by the problem will only increase

AGEISM

Let's face it, our youth-oriented culture is ageist, especially when it comes to s*x. Ageism is a stereotypical discrimination toward individuals based solely on advanced age. For example, seniors are often believed to be as*xual, because they're "just "too old.

Ageism also involves more than individual discrimination. It also affects physician education and institutional structures. Indeed, many medical school curricula often make learning about the s*xual well-being of older folks optional.

Even worse, Institutions fail to provide policies or structures that allow or promote physical intimacy for their residents. Many assisted living facilities do not recognize the s*xual rights of their older residents and actively discourage any s*xual behaviors by separating residents who pair off.

Sadly, many nursing homes do not provide basic safe-s*x information or encourage them to get help with s*x-related problems. Not surprisingly, senior citizen facilities report high rates of HIV and other s*xually transmitted infections.

S*xual Stigma

S*xual stigma is another aspect of ageism. While many folks feel embarrassed about s*x, what seniors experience goes way beyond embarrassment. To be clear, stigma is a profound, unfair mark of disapproval or shame imposed on individuals by society due to specific attributes like health conditions, behaviors, or appearance.

This stigma permeates not only younger people's attitudes but also healthcare professionals' as well. Not only are doctors poorly trained regarding geriatric s*xuality but many express emotional discomfort with the subject and thus are not emotionally supportive to their older patients, Don’t ask, don’t tell: Silence in the medical encounter when s*xual problems, aging, and health conditions meet | British Geriatrics Society

Sadly, ageism and s*xual stigma not only affect seniors' healthcare, but also their sense of their s*xual legitimacy. Often, disapproval and shaming from others result in an internalized guilt and disgust about their natural wants and desires. As a result, many older folks fail to seek help for s*xual issues, and, often, health care providers don't inquire about s*x-related concerns during regular check-ups.

For example, less than 40% of elderly women talk to their doctors about s*xual concerns and less than 25% of men do. Studies reveal that s*xual stigma even occurs in the doctor's office, Bottom line: many suffer in silence and go without effective treatment.

The Historical Context of S*xual Stigma

For those who wonder where all of this negativity came from, the answer is obvious. Most Americans of whatever age have always had a problem with s*x. Frankly, Christianity was a major factor in creating what has been called our culture's erotophobia. Erotophobia

From its inception, the church struggled with s*x. Early Christians believed that Christ's Second Coming would spiritualize life and eliminate all of the problems of the flesh. ( "In Christ there is no male or female" Gal. 3.28,) But that didn't happen, and early church leaders, who lived in a time of Roman s*xual depravity, did not know what to do with s*x, specifically s*xual pleasure.

Unfortunately, the dominant church leader, the Bishop of Hippo, St Augustine, declared s*xual pleasure (lust) sinful. Of the Good of Marriage (De bono coniugali, c. 401) and On Marriage and Concupiscence (De nuptiis et concupiscentia, c. 419). **

Although the church accepted s*x, it was only under strict limitations, i.e., between husband and wife, and for the purpose of having a child. The implications for the elderly are obvious and explain why the church ignored the s*xual issues of the elderly.

What Needs to be Done
Raise Public Awareness about S*xual Ageism

Much of the ageist attitudes toward seniors and s*x stem from the persistent myth that s*xual feelings fade away with age. In fact, given good emotional, physical, and relational health, it doesn't. Accurate information can push out false ideas and beliefs.

75% of couples aged 64 report having regular s*x. Likewise, 55% at 74 and 25% at age 85. Health, more than age, determines one's experience of s*x. In fact, given good health, s*x is a lifelong entitlement. Of course, the physical effects of aging influence s*xual experience but they do not eliminate it. S*xuality and Intimacy in Older Adults | National Institute on Aging

Going forward, we need to provide accurate information by expanding s*x education programs to include aging issues.

Update our Understanding of S*x and S*xuality

Another crucial update is to change how we understand s*x. It is more than something we do; s*xuality is also part of who we are. Rather than viewing s*x as a peripheral aspect of life, s*xuality needs to be understood as an integral part of one's identity. Likewise, the lifelong aspect of s*xual desire needs to be emphasized.

Ussuage Guilt/Shame and Endorse S*x Positivity

Most s*xual guilt and shame can be overcome by reminding folks that s*xual feelings are normal and nothing to feel bad about. Guilt and shame need to be explained as the consequence of false and abusive negative beliefs and undeserved condemnation. Folks need to know that thoughts and behaviors, like fantasies and ma********on, are completely normal and healthy. S*X & SHAME | Pastoral Counseling Syracuse NY

Advocate for Mandatory S*x and Aging Training for All Healthcare Professionals

Professional health organizations, as well as state and federal licensing agencies, need to step up their requirements to include adequate training in the areas of s*x and aging.

Advocate for Senior S*xual Rights

Seniors need reassurance about the legitimacy of their s*xuality and their right to express it. Likewise, they need to be encouraged to assert their s*xual needs and seek help when they are having problems.S*xual Rights For Seniors | American S*xual Health Association

Finally, senior living facilities need to change and accept that their residents are s*xual people. They need to abandon puritanical attitudes that allow s*x only between married couples.

To end on a positive note, change is slow, but it can happen. Over 30 years ago, in 1995, the Hebrew Home in Riverdale, New York, established what’s recognized as the nation’s first S*xual Expression policy for residents of a retirement community. Let's keep the ball rolling.

Rev. Michael Heath, LMHC, Fellow, AAPC 4 15 2026

www.revmichaelheath.com

INTIMATE LISTENING : 101"Why can't s/he just listen to me ? " is a common complaint I hear regularly from couples. Over ...
04/03/2026

INTIMATE LISTENING : 101

"Why can't s/he just listen to me ? " is a common complaint I hear regularly from couples. Over the years, men have been criticized a lot for jumping in with solutions to problems rather than taking the time to listen to what their wives were trying to express. Indeed, I've even written about how men need to listen to feelings more and hold off on trying to fix problems. On Men and Listening | Pastoral Counseling Syracuse NY

While often true, it's important to understand that men are not the sole cause of communication problems in intimate relationships. The skills needed for folks to understand each other apply to both men and women. Unfortunately, we don't teach these skills in school. As a result, unnecessary misunderstandings occur.

Intimate Communication

Before reviewing basic listening skills, it's important to clarify what intimate communication entails. Intimate communication differs from everyday conversation because emotions change the meaning of the words.

For example, when I go to the bank and ask the teller to make a withdrawal, the crucial meaning of the transaction is the exact amount I wish to receive. How I'm feeling when I make the request does not impact what I am trying to convey.

Not so with marital banter. Consider when a wife comes home from a hair appointment with a new stylist and asks her husband, "How do I look ?"

The meaning of her comment depends on what she is feeling. Is she pleased, unsure or horrified ?.Intimate listening decodes or translates literal communication to discover the underlying feeling tone. Understanding what a partner is saying is about hearing 1) what the person is feeling and 2)_what they want. Characteristics of Effective Listening | Chicago Center for Teaching and Learning | The University of Chicago.

Here are some tips that will help you hear the underlying emotion in your partner's communication.

Intimate Listening Essentials

1) Being present.

To begin a conversation, both parties need to be available and willing to talk and listen. Sometimes folks just start talking without checking whether their partner is available or willing. The listener must put everything else aside. (e.g., phones, computers, TV) t to be present.

2) Listen for the underlying emotion.

Intimate listening or empathy means hearing a speaker's emotional subtext. It means knowing what the person is feeling as much as what they are saying. In addition to understanding the meaning of the words, a good listener also asks themselves, "What are they feeling?"

Emotional attunement conveys more than understanding; it also conveys acceptance. Acceptance creates a safe space that allows the speaker to be vulnerable. Express empathy with encouraging words and sounds, as well as by simple nodding and other supportive body language.

3) Be aware of voice tone and other non-verbal clues.

A good way to pick up on a person's emotional subtext is to pay attention to nonverbal cues. Their tone of voice, volume, facial expressions, and body language reveal what they feel.

4) Be emotionally regulated, not impulsively reactive.

In addition to being empathetic and being aware of the speaker's emotions, a good listener must also be mindful and in control of their own emotional state. To convey safety, one must suspend the impulse to criticize, evaluate, or jump to solutions. It involves resisting the urge to "fix" the problem immediately and instead creating a non-threatening space for vulnerability.

5) Don't assume you got it; confirm your understanding of what you heard.

Assumptions often mess up good communication. Therefor checkout your understanding with the person who spoke. Rephrasing or repeating back what you heard is a good way to confirm that you got it right. Mirroring back also reassures lets the speaker that they were truly heard.

Likewise, if you didn't get it, ask questions. In addition to helping you, asking questions can help the speaker to clarify what may not have been clear to them.

6) Be patient and allow silence.

Maybe the most difficult challenge of intimate listing is patience in the wake of awkward silence. Nonetheless, giving the speaker time to articulate their thoughts without interrupting or rushing to fill the silence is vital. Often, the important thoughts come out after a pause.

*****

One final thought. Understanding your partner at a deep level is a challenge that does not occur naturally. It takes effort and practice and patience. Progress happens little by little and not in one fell swoop. That said, achieving good communication with one's mate is worth the investment.

While sometimes miscommunication can be discouraging, don't give up. Each lapse of understanding, with effort, can lead to deeper knowledge and greater intimacy.

Rev. Michael Heath, LMHC, Fellow AAPC 4 3 2026

www.revmichaelheath.com

The Importance of Finding Joy with Your KidsRecently, my wife and I went on vacation. Since our usual spot was closed fo...
03/15/2026

The Importance of Finding Joy with Your Kids

Recently, my wife and I went on vacation. Since our usual spot was closed for renovations, we decided to book a nearby resort. Unlike previous getaways, this place was not adult-only. Initially, I was somewhat concerned about what that would be like.

Fortunately, my worries were quickly assuaged, and I was happily surprised. Indeed, what I discovered was the wonderful experience of watching parents taking pleasure in playing with their children.

It was touching to see the delight on a dad's face as he tossed a ball to his son in the pool. Likewise, I got a kick out of listening to the laughter of children splashing together with their mom in the ocean.

With that discovery in mind, here is why delighting in and finding joy with your children is important for both them and you.

-- The Joy of Children in Historical/Cultural Context

Although encouraging parents to enjoy their children may sound obvious, sadly, many do not. Many families are stressed by financial worries or preoccupation with work. Valuing and finding time for play is often a low priority.

Historically, in America, due to high mortality rates, cultural bias, and economic stress, parents were not encouraged to be overly affectionate or close to their kids. Without reliable birth control, children were often viewed as a burden, as just another mouth to feed.

Following the Great Depression and into the 1950's, concern for disciplining and not "spoiling" a child dominated popular attitudes toward child rearing.

In talking with adults who were raised in the past decades, it is clear that mom and dad's stern attitudes left their mark. Many felt that the lack of joyful interactions communicated their parents' disappointment or even dislike.

Research reveals that repeated non-approving looks given to children are traumatic. Not seeing delight in a parent's eyes can create a negative core belief that influences a child into adulthood. (Negative Core Beliefs | CPTSDfoundation.org)

Since the social revolution of the 60's, however, a new attitude toward child-rearing has emerged. It emphasizes showing interest in and talking with a child rather than simply demanding obedience.

To be clear, although our culture tends to value work over play, research shows that play is not a luxury. Play is essential on many levels. It nurtures a child's healthy development, offers a pleasant way for parents to manage stress, and builds strong family ties.

-- Defining Play

Some folks are so work-oriented that they may not even understand what it is to play. Play is defined as engaging in any activity for sheer enjoyment and recreation rather than for a serious or practical purpose.

With this in mind, parents can learn a lot by watching their kids. This belief is not new. Consider Matthew 18:3 & Mark 10:15: Jesus teaches that to enter the kingdom, one must "turn and become like children" or "receive the kingdom of God like a child." Translated: we must let go of our anxiety to experience the fullness of life.

-- Play and a Child's Self-Esteem

Research shows that feeling loved and having positive self-esteem come from seeing the delight in a parent's eyes. The Importance of Delighting in Our Children - Kindred Tree Healing Center. When parents enjoy playing with their kids, both see the delight in each other's eyes. Not surprisingly, the opposite is true when anger is expressed.

Parents don't have to be perfect, but for their children to develop healthy self-esteem, they need special moments of unrestricted love and joy from mom or dad. (The Benefits of Playing with your Child | Johns Hopkins Medicine)

-- Play and Stress Management

While parenting can be demanding, remembering to play with your kids is also a good way to manage stress. We have written before about the importance of conscious, non-demand neural activity.

Non-demand neural activity is a fancy way of describing any activity that puts aside worries and cares. Play just frolics in the moment for no reason. Just being with and enjoying your child is a good way to give your brain a break.

Beyond that, play, like meditation and other relaxation techniques, allows the brain to repair neural pathways damaged by stress.

-- Play and Building Family Ties

Many studies have lamented the breakdown of family ties and the increasing sense of social isolation. (US trends in social isolation, social engagement, and companionship ⎯ nationally and by age, s*x, race/ethnicity, family income, and work hours, 2003–2020 - PMC)

While we can't reverse technology or many other socially isolating aspects of our culture, there are things we can do to strengthen the bonds between parent and child. Parents need to remember how powerful it is to give a child genuine expressions of love and joy.

The power of a warm smile or laugh can create a positive belief that can not only last a lifetime but also buffer the pain of disappointment, adversity and loneliness.

_________________________________________________________________

So, if you are a parent stressed by life and kids, don't forget to make time to play with them. While we can't turn back the clock or return to the mythical times of Leave it to Beaver, we can be mindful and add more play to our lives for ourselves and our kids. (Leave it to Beaver | Pastoral Counseling Syracuse NY)

For starters, ask yourself, when was the last time you just played catch with your child or took them to lunch ? Find some time for both yourself and them. You'll and they will be glad you did.

Rev. Michael Heath, LMHC, Fellow AAPC 3 15 2026

www.revmichaelheath.com

DEALING WITH "TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".Feeling stressed because of upsetting headlines in the news is nothing new. Ov...
03/02/2026

DEALING WITH "TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

Feeling stressed because of upsetting headlines in the news is nothing new. Over the years, I've written about how to deal with numerous distressing media reports. Things like COVID-19, school shootings, and economic woes triggered panicked phone calls from folks seeking relief in counseling. (TIPS FOR PANIC | Pastoral Counseling Syracuse NY)

More recently, the phones are ringing, especially because of things like ICE's brutality, the Minneapolis shootings, and the withheld Epstein files. That said, something about these calls is different. Instead of an issue, folks express anger at Donald Trump. Not surprisingly, the most recent attack on Iran also spiked panicked calls

Ever since 2015, Republicans have labeled anxious reactions to Trump as "Trump Derangement Syndrome" (TDS).(Who is credited with coining the phrase 'Trump derangement syndrome' (TDS) by Republicans, and why has it gained popularity among pundits, politicians, and others in recent years? - Quora.) This pseudoscientific perjorative refers to a condition where a person is obsessed and fearful of Donald Trump. (To be clear, the authoritative Diagnostic and Statistical Manual does not recognize this phenomenon as a psychological disorder.)

My concern today is to stress that to be obsessed, i.e., to be worried about disturbing Trump's actions, is not necessarily pathological. Quite opposite. Under certain unusually dangerous conditions, not being obsessed is a state of denial. The difference between an unhealthy and healthy obsession is simple. Unhealthy obsessions are stuck and do not produce results. healthy ones, do.

Therefore, given the number of distressed calls, I think it is helpful to understand how healthy obsessions function. I then want to offer some tips for dealing with them.

Obsessions and Anxiety

Although counterintuitive, an obsession makes overwhelming anxiety manageable. Intrusive and unwanted thoughts serve to define and narrow an amorphous dread. An obsession focuses on the problem, making it manageable. In doing so, it provides understanding and a sense of control. This sense of control calms the experience of panic and being overwhelmed.

Please understand that the object of obsession, however, is not the problem. It provides a sense of control to distract one from the unsettling reality, which may, in fact, be beyond their control. For example, in Melville's Moby Dick, Capt. Ahab is obsessed with killing the white whale that took his leg. His obsession distracted him from the existential terror of the tragedy of his loss and the ultimate meaninglessness of life.

With respect to TDS, the president is the obsessive object that draws attention to the perceived failings of one person rather than to the underlying problem, i.e., an increasingly polarized electorate, sharply divided over Issues like human rights, climate change, and attacks on science.

Above all, I want to stress that good people can disagree about politics, just as they can about anything else, and just because you disagree doesn't mean one of you must be crazy. In light of so many disagreements, fear is not necessarily a psychological disorder. It can also be a healthy reaction to a perceived threat. For some, the feared reality is that America is losing its way and it is no longer a force for good in the world ?

Tips for Dealing with Increased Political Anxiety
-- Be Mindful of your own History of Trauma and Anxiety

As with all intense reactions, it is important to put your reaction in context. Check out your own personal history with anxiety and reality-test your fears. It is important to identify exaggerations and over-reactions and accurately assess the source of the threat; is it primarily from the present or the past? In doing so, one may assess if one's reaction is rational or distorted.

-- Accept that Your Worry is Rational and the Threat is Real

After reality-testing your fears, look at the data. You need to trust not only your gut but also search for the facts. The extraordinary event of our time can sometimes make us wonder whether we are being irrational. Fortunately, there is reliable data to support you. Many historians and presidential scholars agree that Donald Trump's presidency is concerning. (Biden vs. Trump is not a close call in historians' Presidents Day survey : NPR}

-- Limit Your Exposure to the Media

While it's important to stay informed, don't overdo it. It is easy to get hooked on reports that can bring you down emotionally. Likewise, monitor how you're feeling while listening to the news. If you start to feel upset or angry, change the channel or turn it off. Too much exposure to provocative material not onlymake you feel bad but also corrupts your ability to think clearly and calmly.

-- Join Together with Like-Minded Souls

Confronting evil is not only difficult, but it is also exhausting and taxing on our mental health. Given the powerful forces, it is easy to become overwhelmed and discouraged. Therefore, don't go it alone. Connect with others who share your concerns and are willing to protest to make their voices heard.

You will be pleasantly surprised by how good and self-affirming it feels to be and talk with others who are working for the same goals. You will realize you are not alone and your concerns are shared by others. Fortunately, the internet makes it easy to find like-minded groups and activities. Getting together to demonstrate your beliefs not only sends a message to politicians but also uplifts and invigorates your spirit.

-- Do What You Can Do: Support Local Candidates and Vote.

Although the challenge is great, there are things you can do to make a difference. Work for good candidates and in November, go to the polls and vote. Working together with others to restore moral government will help you cope with stress and ensure a better future for our nation.

Rev. Michael Heath, LMHC, Fellow AAPC 3 2 2026

www.revmichaelheath.com

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