The article focuses on the challenge of discussing complex global issues with honesty yet without instilling hopelessness in others, particularly in the context of parenting or leadership roles. It emphasizes the importance of adaptive coping, where one acknowledges the difficulties of the world while also promoting agency and meaningful responses. The author shares a personal anecdote reflecting on a conversation with their teenager, exemplifying the balance of truth and reassurance. The current global situation is described as a 'polycrisis', highlighting the interconnected stressors people face today.
It's not about ignoring what's hard; it's about holding complexity in both hands: Yes, things are tough. And yes, we can still respond with purpose, connection, and care.
I don't know everything that's going to happen. A lot of things are really hard right now. But I do know we're not alone in trying to make things better-and that matters.
Psychologists refer to this balance as adaptive coping-the process of acknowledging stress while also reinforcing agency and meaning.
We're living through what many psychologists describe as a polycrisis—a convergence of multiple global stressors happening at once: climate change, economic instability, political upheaval, mental health struggles, and more.
Collection
[
|
...
]