Checking In on Mental Health in Turbulent Times

A wellness questionnaire to reflect on anxiety, self-care, and finding beauty in the world

Apr. 11, 2026 at 7:00am

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph in warm, muted tones depicting a cozy, domestic scene with hints of everyday lifestyle objects, conveying a sense of comfort and introspection.A thoughtful pause amid the chaos can provide much-needed perspective and self-care.Today in Tampa

In the midst of global tensions and political turmoil, columnist Stephanie Hayes encourages readers to take a mental health check-in. She provides a thoughtful questionnaire covering topics like current stress levels, self-care activities, acts of kindness, and small moments of joy observed. The goal is to help readers process the challenges of the current climate and find ways to maintain perspective and positivity.

Why it matters

With the ongoing political and social upheaval, many Americans are experiencing heightened anxiety and uncertainty. This story provides a constructive outlet for readers to reflect on their mental wellbeing and coping strategies during turbulent times, which can help build resilience and a sense of community.

The details

Hayes' questionnaire covers a range of topics to gauge the reader's current state of mind, from rating their overall mood to identifying sources of stress, sleep patterns, self-care activities, and acts of kindness. The questions are designed to prompt introspection and encourage readers to focus on the positive, such as learning new things, having thought-provoking conversations, celebrating wins, and noticing small moments of beauty in the world.

  • The column was published on April 11, 2026, during a period of heightened global tensions and political turmoil.

The players

Stephanie Hayes

A columnist at the Tampa Bay Times in Florida who writes about mental health and wellness.

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What’s next

Readers are encouraged to fill out the wellness questionnaire and share their responses with the columnist, potentially leading to a follow-up article featuring insights from the community.

The takeaway

In times of global turmoil and uncertainty, it's important to prioritize mental health and self-care. This story provides a framework for readers to reflect on their emotional state, identify coping strategies, and find moments of joy and connection, which can help build resilience and a sense of community.