As July 4th approaches, we’re surrounded by talk of freedom, American values, and patriotism. But for many people, this time of year can bring more stress than celebration. When rights are under threat, headlines are relentless, and uncertainty looms large, therapy can offer a space to breathe, feel, and begin to heal.

Freedom Doesn’t Feel Free When You’re Under Threat The idea of independence rings hollow when your safety, autonomy, or existence is politicized. It’s hard to celebrate a nation that continues to legislate against your body, identity, or community. Whether you’re experiencing heightened anxiety, rage, numbness, or fatigue, your emotional response is valid. Political stress isn’t just about opinions—it impacts your nervous system, relationships, and sense of safety in the world.

You’re Not Overreacting—Political Stress Is Real It’s common to internalize messages like:

"Everyone is dealing with this. Just focus on what you can control."
"It’s not that bad."
"You're too sensitive."

But we know:

The body doesn’t always know the difference between a news headline and direct threat
Chronic exposure to injustice can lead to burnout, depression, or trauma symptoms
Therapy can help you process that overwhelm in a way that’s validating, not gaslighting

Why Therapy Is a Valid (and Radical) Response to Injustice At Sprout Therapy PDX, we see therapy as more than a clinical intervention. It’s a place to:

Feel without being rushed to "fix it"
Grieve and name what feels unbearable
Explore what safety, agency, and rest might look like
Build capacity for boundaries, advocacy, and community care

Our progressive, trauma-informed therapists are here to support you through these moments—not as detached observers, but as humans who hold similar grief and hope.

Interdependence, Not Just Independence This July 4th, we invite you to think beyond individual freedom. What does collective care look like? How does interdependence keep us alive and whole? For us, therapy is one thread in that fabric: a space to come as you are, feel what you need to feel, and know you're not alone in it.

Final Thoughts You don’t need to feel patriotic. You don’t need to be okay with what’s happening around you to reach out for support. Whatever this season stirs up for you, Sprout Therapy PDX is here to help you hold it.

Feeling overwhelmed by political stress or collective grief? Let’s talk. Contact Sprout Therapy PDX to connect with a therapist who gets it and will meet you where you are.

You’re Not Overreacting: Therapy During Times of Political Unrest