Whether it’s going back to work after a long period of time off. Knowing the world or your country has gone to shit. Feeling like your life is stagnant. We all need to cope some to get it through and make it another day.
I personally eat, it’s not a good way to cope since it can lead to health issues but it sometimes helps.
I also sometimes re-watch or re-listen to things over and over. Of things that make me feel a little comfortable to watch and listen to again. YouTube videos I hadn’t watched in a while, songs I haven’t listened to forever or maybe go another few rounds of listening to an old podcast long out of syndication.
Well I smoke weed yeah but it’s not my only way to cope. I go on walks when the weather is nice and sometimes I bury myself in my studies. Reading as well can be a form of escapism but I find that reading about why the world is the way it is also helps. Talking about it with people who’s judgement I respect and who respect my own is likewise fulfilling. I’m lucky to have these people, I might have gone insane by now if the only people who understand my POV were online. I have some experience with IRL political organizing and this has helped to find a sense of purpose, actually helping others who need it even in small ways while the world falls apart goes a long way for my mental health. I wish I had more time for it but academia takes up so much of my energy.