In an ever-changing environment, oppression is still extremely prevalent in our society. There are multitudes of instances of oppression that people experience every day. Fighting against oppression is something that one may take on, and many do. Activists every day feel the weight of a society that is continuously impacted by mistreatment, especially because many activists’ identities are impacted by oppression. ​

These constant states of stress can result in burnout. Christina Maslach defines burnout as “a syndrome of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment that can occur among individuals who work with people in some capacity.” Burnout leads to someone feeling mentally, emotionally, and physically exhausted. This can result in people feeling extremely frustrated, disillusioned, uncaring, and cynical. Those involved with fighting oppression and being social justice activists can be extremely debilitating because of the high expectations they place on themselves. There is hope that they can make a significant difference in the world around them, and the emotional labor they experienced when the results are not what they expected. ​​

The foster and adoption journey is complex—for biological parents, foster parents, adoptive parents, and the children themselves. Each stage is often filled with ups and downs, hope and disappointment. Children in the foster and adoption system face unique challenges, and the adults who care for them also need space to process their own experiences.
Research shows that adopted children are almost twice as likely to develop a mood disorder compared to their peers. Factors such as age at adoption, location, family history, and contact with biological family all play a role. Many children experience trauma due to inconsistent care and nurturing in their earliest years, which can affect attachment and bonding later on.
At the heart of adoption and foster care is loss and trauma. Acknowledging this reality is essential to helping children and families heal and thrive.

The Role of Uncertainty
Uncertainty is a constant part of life. Whether it relates to finances, family, health, politics, or relationships, everyone faces moments of not knowing what the future holds. As human beings, we long for stability and a sense of control over our lives. When that feels out of reach, it can be emotionally exhausting, often leading to feelings of anxiety, stress, or even powerlessness.

Everyone has different levels of uncertainty they can tolerate. Some may find it thrilling to take risks and live unpredictably, while others need that structure and security. Despite everyone's tolerance, we all have a limit, and we all experience worry about uncertainty. You are not alone in this. 

Self-care is a way to balance the uncertainties of life and better deal with circumstances and experiences. ​

While surveys show that fewer than 10% of adults in the U.S. identify as LGBTQ+, this number does not tell the full story. Twice as many millennials identify as LGBTQ+ compared to Gen X, and younger generations continue to embrace more open definitions of gender and sexuality. Increased acceptance, education, and media representation have helped people explore and express their identities in ways that weren’t always possible for older generations.
As this population grows, so does the importance of addressing the unique mental health concerns faced by LGBTQ+ individuals.