This Isn’t Just Politics, It’s Trauma

ICE Raids and Unrest in Minnesota

3 Minute Read

Many Minnesotans are living through intense, unsettling times. Federal immigration enforcement operations have brought thousands of agents into the Minneapolis–St. Paul area, triggering large protests and widespread fear and frustration in immigrant and non-immigrant communities alike.

The unrest follows the fatal shooting of a Minneapolis resident by a federal agent — an event that sparked civil rights investigations and deep grief across neighborhoods. Tens of thousands of people have marched, some enduring freezing temperatures, to stand for justice and dignity. For many, these moments are not just political — they’re deeply personal.
In times like this, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. Anxiety, worry, sadness, or a sense of disconnection can surface whether or not someone is directly involved in what’s happening on the streets. The emotional toll of watching community stress unfold — especially when stories touch on fear, family separation, or violence — can weigh heavily on anyone’s mental health.

Here are a few ways to stay grounded and connected without losing your humanity:

1. Stay connected to others — even when things feel heavy.
Community matters. A simple text, phone call, or shared meal with a neighbor can remind us we’re not alone. Solidarity doesn’t have to be dramatic, it can be listening, caring, and showing up for one another. Being part of a community builds resilience and helps buffer stress.

2. Create small routines that bring calm.
When headlines feel loud and constant, grounding practices can help:
• Going for a walk in fresh air
• Sitting outside with a hot drink
• Limiting news exposure to set times so it doesn’t overwhelm your day

These small rhythms help build mental space when the world feels intense.

3. Talk about what you’re feeling.
There’s power in being honest about stress, anxiety, or sadness. Whether it’s with a trusted friend, a community group, or a therapist, naming what you’re experiencing helps reduce its intensity and builds support rather than isolation.

4. Know when to seek clinical support.
Sometimes, stress doesn’t ease with community and routine alone. When worry feels persistent, sleep becomes difficult, or you notice shifts in your mood or motivation that last weeks instead of days, it may be time to talk with a mental health professional.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Therapy is one option people explore when depression and anxiety don’t respond to traditional treatments like medication or talk therapy. TMS targets specific areas of the brain involved in mood regulation and can offer relief for those who’ve struggled with prolonged emotional distress. It’s non-invasive and FDA-cleared for treatment-resistant depression, and many patients describe it as a turning point in regaining clarity and emotional balance.

Recovery — whether emotional, psychological, or communal — isn’t linear. It’s okay to seek help, to pause, and to trust that support doesn’t make you weak — it makes you human.

NeuroStim TMS is here for you if you need support. Our hearts are with the families and loved ones affected during this incredibly difficult time, and we extend our deepest care and compassion to all those impacted.

If you feel you need a little extra support for your mental health in this stressful time, schedule your Free TMS Therapy Phone Consultation today.