For many of us, this week has been surreal.

It has been filled with heartbreak, shame, fear, and despair.

We have seen things we thought we'd never seen in our lifetime, let alone in our own country.

It feels dark. Surviving four years of this feels like impossible.

You might feel like you have gone crazy. You might feel rage, despair, and fear, and you might not know what to do with these feelings. You might feel trapped and overwhelmed and an overwhelming need to fight. Here's how to channel those feelings- and how to survive Week Two of fascism without actually losing your mind.

1. Pick one or two specific causes, and fight for them.

Pick something that's close to your heart that you feel is being threatened by this administration- write down a list of your fears, and then organizations you can get involved with or ways you can actively fight for those causes. Write down a list of what you are afraid of, and then make a list of organizations you can support and specific actions you can to advocate for that cause.

Startguide.org is a great example site that lists names of organizations which pertain to certain causes. For example, if you are worried about reproductive rights- reach out to your local chapter of Planned Parenthood. If you are worried about refugees, join the International Rescue Committee. It may seem small, but it is a thing you can do to actively make a difference. Go to their meetings. Sign their petitions. Network with them and find out what they need.

2. Become a street artist.

Stick stickers everywhere, or spraypaint "RESIST."

3. PROTEST.

Find protest actions in your area, or start ones of your own. It is cathartic. You will feel better.

4. Call your Representatives daily.

Make it part of your routine.

5. Form a support group with your peers.

I'm sure you know someone who's struggling too.

6. Create your own media.

Exercise your voice. Contribute to a local zine, or make your own. Continue to speak out and openly condemn fascism.

7. Do not waste time on negativity.

Don't waste time arguing with the opposition who have no interest in creating change. Take positive action instead.

8. Keep a vlog or personal diary of this experience for you.

We live in historic times. Write about it, man.

9. Turn off the news for awhile.

Restrict your access after awhile. It can be overwhelming. You can be informed without tuning in constantly. Take a break for awhile and do something nice or fun. You deserve fun. It will still be there when you come back.

10. Use humor to combat depression and to shut down oppression.

11. Practice self-care.

12. Arm yourself with facts and data.

Read commentary and analysis from those smarter than you.

13. Create art.

Start a business, and donate half your proceeds to a cause of your choice.

14. Amplify marginalized voices.

Network with them. Listen to them.

15. Remember the power you have as an individual.

Be the change you wish to see in the world. Make everything you do a small act of protest, promoting hope and faith in the world. Do not let fascism become normalized. This is not normal. This is not okay. But you don't owe your constant anxiety to the world. Remember to live your life and have fun sometimes. Joy is a form of protest too. Art and dance are protest too. You can advocate with humor, with beauty, with bliss. Your very soul is a garden for change, and you are changing things with the domino effect of the vibes you bring. Don't underestimate that. Don't forget your power. Do not lose your hope. Do not abandon your joy.

The world needs joyful, fiery people. You are doing a good job.

It is always people who change the world.

We will need you, so take care of yourself. Choose to believe that hope will win. Choose to believe that good will in. Choose to believe that love will win. Then fight to make that true.

Do not give in to despair.