A Nation on Edge: Understanding the Rise of Anxiety and Anger in America

There is a quiet storm rising in America. But unlike the ones we see in the sky, this storm is inside of us. It lives in our homes, our conversations, and even our dreams at night. More and more people are feeling anxious, afraid, and deeply angry. And it is not hard to understand why.

We are living through a time when everything feels uncertain. Prices for food, clothes, gas, and even the most basic household items are going up and up. People are walking into grocery stores and walking out with only a few bags because their money no longer stretches the way it used to. Parents worry about feeding their children, and older adults worry about whether their retirement savings will be enough. These are not small fears. These are the kinds of fears that keep people up at night and make their hearts race during the day.

Then there is the news. Each day brings more talk about conflict and danger. Countries with nuclear weapons, like India and Pakistan, are at odds, and that tension spreads worry far beyond their borders. We wonder what might happen next. Will peace hold, or will something terrible break loose? On top of that, the climate is changing. Storms are stronger. Summers are hotter. Wildfires burn longer. And many of us are left wondering what kind of world we are leaving for our children and grandchildren.

The political climate in our own country is also adding to the strain. People are deeply divided. Neighbors stop speaking to each other. Families argue at the dinner table. We no longer feel safe sharing our thoughts without fear of being judged or shouted down. After the election of 2024, trust in the government and in each other has fallen even lower. Many workers are being laid off from their jobs, especially in public service. These firings, blamed on new political changes and policies, leave thousands of families without a steady income and without hope.

And then there is the violence. Gun violence has become a daily fear. Whether at school, the grocery store, or simply walking in a park, people are afraid. It is hard to feel calm when you are constantly watching over your shoulder.

With all of this happening at once, it is no surprise that so many Americans are on edge. Anxiety and anger are ways the body and mind respond when we feel powerless and afraid. When we are not sure how to fix what is wrong, these feelings begin to take over. And sometimes, they turn into arguments, division, or even rage.

But here is something I have learned in my many years of life and listening. Underneath anger is often pain. And underneath anxiety is usually fear. What we need now, more than ever, is not more fighting or more shouting. We need to slow down. We need to begin listening to each other again. We need to care for one another and remind ourselves that behind every person is a story and a struggle.

If we begin with kindness, if we reach out with understanding instead of judgment, we might slowly begin to turn this around. We may not be able to fix the world all at once, but we can ease each other’s burdens, one conversation, one helping hand, one quiet moment of compassion at a time.

These are difficult times. But we are not alone in them. And that simple truth can offer some peace, even now.

I urge everyone to limit their exposure to the news. Stay away from social media and television news. Newspapers are best because we do need to know what is happening. Then, throw the newspaper away.

Best of all, learn how to meditate. It’s easy to learn. Just do a Google search, and there is abundant information on meditating. I suggest guided meditations, and all that is needed is about fifteen minutes per day. Also, learn about the importance of loving kindness and mindfulness. All of these things help reduce stress and build resilience. And exercise is enormously important.