How to Build Community When It Feels Like the World Is Crumbling
There’s something uniquely exhausting about trying to hold it together when the world feels like it’s falling apart. The weight of political instability, human rights crises, and collective trauma can make it feel impossible to connect with others. For many women, especially those who are caregivers or problem-solvers, the instinct is to retreat—to manage the overwhelm alone, to shrink into self-preservation mode.
But here’s the thing: isolation won’t save us. It never has. Historically, the community has been the antidote to oppression, the lifeline in times of uncertainty. Many cultures have always known this—building networks of care, mutual aid, and shared resilience. But for those who have been conditioned toward individualism, the idea of relying on others (or being relied upon) can feel foreign or even daunting.
If you’re struggling with political anxiety, existential dread, or just a deep sense of loneliness in a world that feels increasingly fractured, you’re not alone. And you’re not powerless. Here’s how to start building community in a way that feels meaningful and sustainable—even when everything else feels like it’s unraveling.
Understand That Community Is Not a Luxury—It’s Survival
It’s easy to think of community as something extra—something we turn to when life is good and we have the energy to be social. But historically, community has been a necessity, not a bonus. It’s how people have survived displacement, oppression, and instability. It’s how movements for justice have been built. And it’s how we sustain our own emotional and mental well-being in times of crisis.
While self-care has its place, hyper-focusing on ourselves without investing in collective care can be part of the problem. True healing and resilience don’t happen in isolation. We weren’t meant to do this alone.
Start Small, Start Local
Community-building doesn’t have to be overwhelming or look like massive activism. It can start with the simplest of things:
• Checking in on a friend you haven’t heard from in a while.
• Supporting a local business instead of a big corporation.
• Joining an existing space—whether it’s a mutual aid network, an advocacy group, a local organization, or even a recurring gathering that aligns with your values.
Too often, we default to creating something new when what we really need is to strengthen what already exists. There is power in showing up, in contributing to the work that others have already been building. True community isn’t about leadership or ownership—it’s about participation. When we join forces instead of always starting from scratch, we create something stronger, more sustainable, and rooted in collective care rather than individual efforts.
Know That Not Everyone Feels the Same Level of Urgency
For some, the current political climate is a life-or-death reality. For others, it’s deeply upsetting but not a direct threat to their survival. That gap in urgency can make community-building challenging—because let’s be real, it’s frustrating to try to mobilize people who don’t see the stakes as clearly as you do.
This is where emotional intelligence and insight come into play. Not everyone will move at the same pace or engage in the same way. Some people are just waking up to the instability that others have lived with for generations. The key is to find the people who are willing to engage—without burning yourself out trying to convince those who aren’t ready.
Create Spaces That Sustain, Not Drain
Community should be a source of support, not just another obligation. If being in the community feels exhausting, something’s off. Ask yourself:
• Does this space allow for mutual aid and shared support, or does it rely on a few people doing all the work?
• Are people encouraged to bring their whole selves, or is there pressure to perform a certain way?
• Is there room for both grief and joy? Collective trauma is real, but so is collective joy—spaces that allow for both tend to be the most sustainable.
Healthy community isn’t about constantly doing—it’s about being together in ways that feel nourishing. Sometimes that looks like organizing; sometimes it looks like gathering in a living room and venting over tea. Both are valid. Both are necessary.
Your Political Voice Is Part of This, Too
Building community doesn’t mean disengaging from the larger political landscape. In fact, the two are deeply connected. When we come together in small, local ways, we create the foundation for larger movements. Finding your place in community also means finding your political voice—whether that’s through advocacy, education, or direct action.
We don’t have a singular, safe leader to turn to right now. That can feel terrifying. But it also means we have to lead ourselves—and each other. The work of change doesn’t belong to one person; it belongs to all of us.
Community Isn’t a Fix—It’s a Practice
If you’re waiting to “feel ready” to seek out community, you might be waiting forever. Community-building isn’t about finding the perfect group of people who will instantly meet all your needs. It’s about the ongoing practice of showing up, offering what you can, and allowing yourself to receive support in return.
It’s messy. It’s imperfect. And sometimes, it’s hard. But it’s also what keeps us tethered to hope when everything else feels like it’s falling apart.
If you’re struggling with isolation, burnout, or the emotional weight of the world right now, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Therapy can be a space to explore how to build meaningful connections and find your place in the larger collective. If you’re ready for support, let’s talk.
Written by Brittanie, Therapist and Advocate for Women’s Well-Being
Brittanie is a licensed therapist supporting women in Missouri and Illinois who are navigating burnout, ADHD, over-functioning, and self-esteem challenges. She helps high-achieving women set boundaries, reconnect with themselves, and build more fulfilling lives. If you’re ready to find balance, therapy can help.
If you’re finding it difficult to incorporate these strategies into your life or need more personalized support, please feel free to reach out.
Share your thoughts in the comments, or get in touch with me directly. We can work together to create a practical, easy-to-use toolkit of coping skills tailored just for you.