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Psychotherapy and Mental Health Questions

Dealing With General Discontent

I would like to consult a professional with this question, although it may seem silly in light of true mental health issues. But it's important to me to the extent that it affects my lifestyle. So: I hate someone (a group actually) who is currently in a position to influence political events and national policy. I like being aware of what's going on in the news, but for a while now whenever I read or hear national news I get these feelings of hatred. Strong feelings considering I don't know these people. The obvious solution is to become active to change things, but I tried to that before the last national election and was sorely disappointed. It was basically crushing. I understand that these feelings are different than what I feel for people I know, who have wronged me, but in those cases I feel I can sort it out (talk to them, stop talking to them, etc.). But with this hatred of what I feel is wrong and who is causing it, I don't know what to do. Surely, it can't be healthy to feel this. Should I stop listening to the news? Should I become more radical in my efforts to change things? Neither of these things fit in with the way I want to live my life. But the everyday ways of trying to change things (writing letters, signing petitions, volunteering with a political organization) are so frustrating because they don't work. What should I do?

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Disclaimer

  • Dr. Dombeck responds to questions about psychotherapy and mental health problems, from the perspective of his training in clinical psychology.
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