A Nation of Anxiety

I remember my early days as a creative professional, sitting in an architecture studio surrounded by the nervous energy of peers, all tense and wide-eyed as we heard that not all of us would make it through the year. Those moments carved a groove of anxiety that stayed with me, sometimes surfacing in late-night jolts, my heartbeat quickening at the memory of unfinished work and relentless critiques.

But today, this anxiety isn't just personal or professional; it’s collective. The United States has just navigated another seismic election cycle, and the results have left many waking in the same cold sweats I know so well. For countless individuals—immigrants, LGBTQ+ communities, women seeking bodily autonomy, and those who live with the reality of systemic bias—uncertainty can grip like a vice. The fear of what’s next hangs heavy in the air.

Yet, this shouldn't be the way we exist.

It shouldn’t be normal for national moments to leave us on the edge of breathlessness, as if waiting for a critique that could define our futures.

Just as I saw the creative industry conditioned to accept anxiety as a given, we as a nation have internalized this worry as the price of living through tumultuous times.

Anxiety, by definition, is “intense, excessive, and persistent worry about everyday situations.” And right now, that rings familiar, doesn't it? It reflects not just in the professional world or college memories, but in our living rooms, on our news feeds, and in whispered conversations.

Here’s where we stand, with some eye-opening data that might resonate:

• 70% of media and creative professionals reported burnout last year, echoing broader public sentiment, as per the 2024 Mentally Healthy Survey.
• In surveys of younger adults, many indicate that societal anxiety contributes to both their professional and personal stress.
• 71% of agency workers felt their mental health decline due to workplace stress in past years—a mirror to national trends exacerbated by political and social turbulence.

This perpetual cycle isn't just “paying our dues”; it’s a clear sign we need change. As individuals, we have the power to reclaim some control. This isn’t a naive declaration that everything can be changed overnight or solely by our will. But in the face of an anxious society, we have choices: to breathe deeply, to pause, to reclaim how we approach the future with curiosity, grace, and intention.

Five Perspectives on Navigating a Nation of Anxiety:

• Anxiety feeds fatigue. When driven by worry, we may find ourselves in a constant state of vigilance that drains us over time.
• It fosters overreaction. To quiet our fears, we might make quick decisions without the space for thoughtful reflection.
• It stifles collective progress. Persistent worry discourages innovation and breeds mistrust.
• Recovery feels daunting. Even when seeking solace, anxiety whispers that rest is a luxury we can’t afford.
• It erodes resilience. Anxiety chips away at the creativity needed for collective solutions.

We don’t have to surrender to this narrative. What does this mean in practical terms? Take that deep breath. Assess your reality not just through the lens of fear but curiosity. Embrace grace as you encounter differing perspectives and seek out allies committed to a kinder future.

We have the responsibility, as creatives, citizens, and humans, to demand better—for ourselves and each other.

Anxiety may be baked into the present, but our response can shape the future. Let’s insist on that deep exhale. The world, and our individual creativity, need it.

If you are struggling with anxiety as a creative, feel free to reach out for how we can support here.

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