Coming Together for Healing and Action: Sensitive and Neurodivergent Voices Rising by Julie Bjelland, LMFT

In these turbulent times, when the rights of marginalized communities—including women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people of color, immigrants, refugees, disabled and neurodivergent individuals, religious minorities, and low-income communities—are under attack, many of us are feeling overwhelmed by fear, anger, and sadness. For sensitive and neurodivergent individuals, these emotions can be even more intense, leaving us feeling paralyzed and uncertain about how to move forward.

But remember, you are not alone. You can channel these feelings into meaningful action, find comfort and healing, and join with others to create positive change. This call is for all the sensitive people ready to step up, speak out, and fight for the rights of the most vulnerable. Let’s unite to find strength in our sensitivity, heal, and make a difference.

1. Acknowledge Your Emotions and Permit Yourself to Feel

Sensitive and neurodivergent individuals often feel emotions more deeply than others. The fear of losing rights, the rise in hostile misogyny and discrimination, and the attacks on marginalized communities can trigger profound emotional responses. It’s vital to honor these feelings instead of trying to suppress them. By acknowledging what you’re feeling, you allow yourself the space to process and heal.

Action Tip: Take time each day to sit with your emotions. This could mean journaling, meditating, or simply acknowledging, “It’s okay to feel this way.” Let go of the guilt or pressure to “fix” your feelings immediately. They are valid and are part of your human experience.

2. Create a Safe Space for Yourself and Seek Support

When the world feels hostile and overwhelming, creating a safe physical and emotional space becomes essential. This is particularly true for neurodivergent individuals who may be more sensitive to sensory overload and stressors. Whether it’s a physical space like a cozy corner in your home or a mental space created through mindful boundaries, prioritizing your safety is key.

Action Tip: Identify activities or places that help you feel secure and grounded. Engage in practices like calming music, walking in nature, or reading. Additionally, connect with communities that offer understanding and support. The Sensitive Empowerment Community is one such space where you can find people who truly get what you’re going through.

3. Empower Yourself with Information Without Overwhelm

Staying informed is crucial, but the constant influx of news can be overwhelming, especially for sensitive individuals. It's essential to balance staying updated and protecting your mental health. You can be an informed advocate without being consumed by the news cycle.

Action Tip: Curate your sources of information to focus on reliable, fact-based outlets. Set boundaries, like checking the news only once a day or taking breaks from social media. You don’t have to know everything to make a difference. Focus on the issues that resonate most deeply with you.

4. A Call for Sensitive Leaders: Step Up and Use Your Voice

Now is the time for sensitive leaders to rise. Too often, sensitive and neurodivergent individuals have been told to silence their voices or that they are “too emotional” to lead. But we know that your sensitivity is a strength, not a weakness. The world needs your compassion, empathy, and drive for justice.

Action Tip: If you’re struggling with self-doubt, start small. Practice using your voice in supportive spaces, like our community forums or local groups. Build your confidence by speaking out on issues that matter to you. You are more powerful than you realize, and your voice can inspire others to take action.

5. Coming Together for Healing and Action: Join Our Community Events

In the coming weeks and months, I may organize events focused on healing, empowering, and strategizing for collective action. These gatherings will be a safe space for sensitive and neurodivergent individuals to come together, process our fears, and plan how to protect our rights and the rights of others.

Action Tip: Attend these events to connect with like-minded individuals committed to healing, empowerment, and advocacy. We will explore how to use our collective energy to create meaningful change, and by supporting each other, we will find ways to make a difference.

6. Practical Ways to Support Marginalized Communities and Fight for Our Rights

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the scale of injustices, but small, meaningful actions can create a significant impact. Here are some practical ways you can make a difference:

• Amplify marginalized voices: Share resources and stories from BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and neurodivergent leaders on social media to increase their reach and visibility.

• Buy From and Support Marginalized-Owned Businesses: Intentionally purchase products and services from BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, disabled, and neurodivergent creators. This not only helps sustain their businesses but also amplifies their voices and impact.

• Donate to advocacy organizations: If you can, contribute to groups that fight for reproductive rights, LGBTQIA+ protections, and social justice causes.

• Engage in mutual aid: Support local mutual aid networks by offering your time, skills, or resources to those who need it most.

• Take part in local activism: Attend town halls, protests, or community meetings to show up for issues that matter. Your presence and voice can amplify important causes.

• Educate and challenge: Start meaningful conversations with friends, family, and colleagues about systemic oppression. Use your voice to educate and inspire others to take action.

• Offer direct support and opportunities: For several years, I’ve provided scholarships for my courses and community to sensitive and neurodivergent Black individuals and free mentorship in business to address systemic barriers to education and empowerment. Consider how you might provide resources, mentorship, or financial support to marginalized communities. Every act of generosity, no matter how small, contributes to dismantling systemic inequities.

By taking these steps—whether small or large—you contribute to a collective force for positive change. Remember, it’s not about doing everything perfectly; it’s about doing something that aligns with your values and abilities.

7. Practice Self-Care and Protect Your Mental Health

Advocating for change is demanding, especially for sensitive and neurodivergent people. To stay engaged without burning out, you need to prioritize your well-being.

Action Tip: Establish self-care practices that nourish you. This could mean mindfulness exercises, creative hobbies, or simply resting when needed. If you're feeling overwhelmed, consider seeking professional mental health support—therapy can provide valuable guidance during these challenging times. Here’s a directory of sensitive and neurodivergent healers.

8. Building Hope, Connection, and Solidarity

In times of uncertainty, hope is not just a feeling—it’s a powerful motivator. Hope allows us to envision a better future and gives us the energy to keep working toward it. The power of community and solidarity can be a tremendous source of strength.

Action Tip: Focus on the small victories and the resilience of marginalized communities. Join the Sensitive Empowerment Community, where you can connect with others who share your passion for change. We can strategize, support one another, and create a collective movement toward justice and healing.

Your Voice and Actions Matter

The challenges we face are daunting, but sensitive and neurodivergent individuals like you have the power to create meaningful change. By coming together, we can create safe spaces, take action, and build a more just world. You are not powerless—you are part of a movement that will grow stronger every day.

Let’s unite for healing, rights, and collective action. Attend our upcoming events, find support in our community, and use your voice to advocate for what’s right. Together, we can work to protect our rights, support the marginalized, and build a future where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

Your voice matters, your actions count, and we can make a difference together.

Let’s Come Together in a Safe, Supportive Space

I’m Julie Bjelland, LMFT

A psychotherapist, author, and founder of Sensitive Empowerment. I specialize in high sensitivity and adult-discovered autism. My passion is helping you live with more self-love and self-compassion and flourish more fully in the world. I’ve developed tools to balance the sensitive nervous system and reduce challenges so you can reach your fullest potential. My global support hub includes online courses, the Sensitive Empowerment Community, a top-ranked podcast, articles, webinars, and more. I’m a proud neurodivergent and queer therapist, and my mission is to create a world where differences are embraced as strengths and celebrated. I look forward to supporting your journey. Learn more at JulieBjelland.com

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