Finding Strength and Meaning in Difficult Times

What hurts can also heal—if we dare to face it fully.

Living Through Heavy Times

The news cycle feels relentless. Every day brings another wave of unsettling headlines: soaring prices, layoffs, conflicts that cross borders, governments in turmoil, political unrest, and technology that promises progress yet sparks deep fear. We scroll through stories of war, drones, and assassinations, all while the online world shouts with division and outrage.

Our phones buzz endlessly, each notification another reminder of how chaotic and fragile life can feel. Instead of bringing us peace, technology often magnifies our anxieties. And though we are more connected than ever, many of us feel profoundly alone. Communities fracture, loneliness spreads, and even our closest relationships can feel strained under the weight of constant tension.

If you feel exhausted, fearful, or even hopeless, you are not alone. In fact, struggling under these conditions makes sense.

When Struggling Makes Sense

In many cultures—especially in the U.S.—there’s a stigma attached to struggling. Unhappiness is often treated as a kind of failure, as though not being “positive” enough is a personal flaw.

This pressure only adds to the exhaustion of living through difficult times. We hear voices—both external and internal—that tell us:

• You should be grateful.

• You should be calm.

• You should have a growth mindset and turn pain into opportunity.

Gratitude and optimism are powerful practices, and they do help. But they are not substitutes for grief, anger, or sadness.

The truth is, life is hard right now. Feeling sorrow, outrage, or fear isn’t weakness—it’s proof of our humanity. When we hurt, it’s because we still care. Our pain is evidence that we remain alive to love, beauty, and hope.

Staying With What Hurts

Buddhist wisdom offers a powerful metaphor: the story of the two arrows.

The first arrow represents the pain life inevitably brings—illness, loss, injustice, fear. We cannot escape this arrow.

The second arrow is the suffering we add to ourselves by resisting, judging, or denying our pain. When we tell ourselves, I shouldn’t feel angry, or I’m weak for grieving, we intensify our suffering.

As Pema Chödrön teaches, our usual instinct is to avoid the first arrow. We numb, distract, or talk ourselves into “being fine.” But avoidance doesn’t work. The more we push pain away, the more it grows.

Instead, healing begins when we lean into the pain. Not by wallowing, but by meeting it with curiosity instead of judgment.

When fear arises, we notice it: This is fear. My breath is short. My chest feels tight.

When grief appears, we give it space: This is grief, heavy in my throat. It belongs here for now.

By staying present, we soften the sting of the second arrow—resistance, shame, denial. Pain may remain, but it doesn’t multiply.

The Hidden Power of Pain

Pain is not just a weight to carry—it’s also a source of wisdom.

Our emotions, even the painful ones, are messengers. Anger tells us where injustice lies. Grief reveals what we love most deeply. Fear warns us to take care.

When we face these feelings honestly, they can transform into guides that show us what matters most. Instead of being crushed by suffering, we begin to shape it into meaning.

From Pain to Purpose

This truth is not theoretical—it is lived. Many people can point to experiences where suffering carved out space for purpose.

The psychologist Viktor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor, described it best. In Man’s Search for Meaning, he wrote about the people who survived the concentration camps—not because their pain was less, but because they found meaning within it. A loved one to live for, a duty to fulfill, a vision of the future—these small threads of purpose made survival possible.

Meaning doesn’t erase suffering. Sometimes, it even intensifies it. But it reframes suffering within a larger story—one where love and values give pain its context.

Building Meaning in Daily Life

We may not face the horrors Frankl endured, but we all need meaning to endure life’s hardships. Even in our ordinary days, meaning helps us rise when everything feels heavy.

Here are three simple practices to help anchor yourself in meaning when times feel overwhelming:

• Return to your body.
  When your mind spins with fear or despair, pause. Take three slow breaths. Unclench your jaw. Place both feet firmly on the floor. Remind yourself: I am here. I can meet this moment.

• Name your “why.”
  When stress threatens to crush you, recall what matters most. Maybe it’s your child, your community, your faith, or a cause you believe in. Write it down or whisper it aloud. Naming your “why” gives suffering a purpose.

• Take one deliberate step.
  Choose a small action aligned with your values. Call a friend who’s struggling. Volunteer an hour. Protect an evening for genuine rest. Even small steps remind us we are not powerless.

The Gift of Meaning

Meaning does not take away pain, but it transforms it. Instead of chaos, we find direction. Instead of despair, we find a spark of hope.

Meaning is:

• A candle lit in the dark.

• A fist raised in defiance.

• A whisper of love refusing to give up.

It’s what gives us the strength to say, This matters—and so do I.

Why This Matters Right Now

In the current election season, political stress can feel like one more impossible burden. Arguments with loved ones, endless media coverage, and the weight of uncertainty can all leave you drained.

It’s tempting to disconnect completely. But meaning asks us to stay—both with our pain and with the values that matter most. It asks us to show up for ourselves and our communities, even when the noise feels deafening.

And it reminds us that we don’t have to do it alone.

When Support Becomes Essential

You may be carrying more than anyone should have to carry. Perhaps election debates are straining your relationships. Maybe political disagreements are seeping into your workplace or your home. Or maybe the constant barrage of news simply leaves you feeling exhausted, hopeless, or angry.

If that sounds like you, this is not the time to white-knuckle your way through. Professional support can help you process, find perspective, and reconnect with what gives your life meaning.

Your Next Step Toward Support

At Walk With Me Counseling Center in Chicago, Illinois, we understand the emotional toll that political stress and uncertainty can have on your well-being.

We are here to help if you’re overwhelmed by election stress or political disagreements. We offer virtual therapy sessions across Illinois, so support is just a click away no matter where you are—whether in Chicago or another part of the state.

Your mental well-being should be your top priority, especially during an election as heated as this one. Don’t let political stress strain your relationships or leave you feeling overwhelmed. Whether you’re in Chicago or elsewhere in Illinois, we’re here to help you navigate these challenging conversations before they take a bigger toll on your mental health.

Complete our Intake Form today and take the first step toward protecting your mental health during this intense election season.

Because what hurts can also heal—especially when you don’t face it alone.