As a gay immigrant, I have experienced a complex mix of emotions and thoughts stirred by the political shift in our country. The upcoming administration has promised to squander the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and immigrants. This is a heavy reality, which has kept me awake since election night and has me thinking, worrying, and talking a lot about what is at stake for me, and for those who do not share the same privileges I have.
As I process this reality, I have found guidance in the teachings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a theologian who stood against tyranny during one of history’s darkest times. Bonhoeffer spoke of hope as an active, empowering force. He believed that hope fuels the courage needed to confront injustice and that it is essential in maintaining our agency in the face of adversity.
As someone training to be a counselor, I recognize the impact that embracing hope can have on mental health and well-being. Hope is a therapeutic goal, for our clients and for ourselves as practitioners. It enables us to envision a future where change is possible and motivates us to take steps toward that future. In therapy, fostering hope can help clients move beyond feelings of helplessness and engage actively in their healing processes.
Conversely, indifference is a trap that can lead to stagnation. Bonhoeffer considered indifference in the face of evil to be a moral failing that allows injustice to thrive unchecked. In a therapeutic context, indifference can manifest as disengagement or avoidance, hindering growth and perpetuating a cycle of inaction. In this sense, clients and counselors must recognize and overcome indifference to promote meaningful change.
Falling into despair over the current political climate might seem like a natural response, but it is one that ultimately leads to total defeat. Despair can paralyze us, stripping away our sense of control and diminishing our capacity to respond to challenges. As counselors-in-training, we learn that acknowledging difficult emotions is therapeutic, but so is helping clients (and ourselves) find pathways out of despair.
In practice, it involves validating emotions by honoring feelings of fear, anger, and sadness without allowing them to consume us. Encouraging involvement in community organizations, advocacy groups, or support networks that align with shared values is another major step. Setting realistic goals is also important, as it involves identifying achievable steps that contribute to a sense of progress and agency. Finally, challenging indifference requires actively confronting apathy by staying informed and involved in issues that matter.
When we embrace hope and reject indifference, we support our own mental health and model these values for those around us. We demonstrate that while we may not have control over external events, we do have control over how we respond to them. This perspective empowers us and others to navigate adversity with courage and integrity.
Change often begins with individual actions that collectively make a significant impact. As Bonhoeffer wisely stated, “Action springs not from thought, but from a readiness for responsibility.” So, let’s do all we can to inspire hope, challenge indifference, and contribute to a more just and compassionate society. Since Superman and Wonder Woman are too busy worrying about inflation and will not come to our rescue, we must rely on ourselves.
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I will see you next week!
Roque Neto 