Building Mental Health for a New Generation of Survivalists

By Cade Shadowlight 

❗Don't miss the “Getting Help” section near the bottom of the article.

In today’s world, mental health is under siege like never before. Rapid cultural and demographic shifts, extreme ideologies, social media isolation, and disruptive technologies such as AI, have fueled a mental health crisis that touches nearly everyone. As someone diagnosed with Asperger’s in the early 2000s, I’ve spent decades managing my own mental health in a world that often feels overwhelming.  

For preppers and survivalists, mental health isn’t just a personal concern, it’s a cornerstone of preparedness. In a crisis, the ability to stay calm, think clearly, and adapt quickly is as critical as any stockpile of supplies. Yet, how do we fortify our minds against the unique pressures of modern life and the potential chaos of a post-collapse scenario?

Prepping Your Mental Health

As someone with Asperger’s, I’ve learned that mental strength isn’t just about willpower. It’s about intentional habits, healthy relationships, and the skills that prepare you for both everyday stress and catastrophic crises. Here are practical steps to fortify your mind for the challenges of today and the uncertainties of tomorrow.

1.   Cultivate a Healthy Spirituality 

A healthy spirituality can anchor you in turbulent times. Spiritual practices can counter the disorientation of modern life. Practices like prayer, meditation, or reading sacred texts can foster calm, purpose, and perspective. For me, my faith provides clarity, strength, and a sense of purpose, especially under stress. It also informs my priorities and my ethical decision-making. In a crisis, a solid spiritual foundation can keep you from spiraling into despair or freezing in uncertainty.

2.  Strengthen Your Closest Relationship

Reconnect with your spouse. If you’re single, like me, seek out a partner who shares your values. No other Earthly relationship will be as important, or have more potential for greatness. Your spouse should be your best friend and confidant, your helpmate, shoulder to cry on, and the one person who will always care about you. If you’re married, don’t take them for granted; nurture that connection daily. Remember, marriage is a two-way street. Be there for your spouse. 

 

To those of us who are still single: don’t let fear or past disappointments stop you from seeking a meaningful relationship. Honestly, this is the one area of my life where I have fallen short. I am not married and never have been. When I was in my 20s, I thought staying single was so smart. Now that I am older, I realize how stupid I was in my 20s.         

3.  Build a Resilient Community/Tribe.

Strong relationships with family, friends, and neighbors create a network of mutual support, critical in both daily life and emergencies. Engage with people in your community. Learn the names of your neighbors. Volunteer.  Join local groups, civic organizations, churches, community centers, or attend survivalist meetups.  My grandparents’ generation survived the Great Depression through self-reliance and community, helping each other (community/tribe) while still standing strong alone (rugged individualism). 

 

In today’s fragmented world, where online echo chambers can isolate us, real-world connections are more vital than ever. Don't overly-depend on online relationships, as social media can create shallow connections that undermine real intimacy.       

4.  Set Boundaries with Toxic Influences

Toxic people—those who are in a constant state of chaos, drain others of their energy, and refuse to change or even acknowledge that they need to—can sabotage your mental health. This might be a relative, an old friend, or even online contacts who amplify negativity. I’ve had to learn to recognize when relationships harm more than help. Protect your peace by setting boundaries or, if necessary, even cutting ties. It is not your responsibility to fix broken people. Offer help where it’s welcomed, but don’t get pulled into endless drama. It is about balance.

 

It is especially important in this digital age to avoid digital toxicity by unfollowing inflammatory or depressing social media accounts, and avoiding overly-negative doomer content. Don't engage with online harassers. Social media apps have built-in functions to mute or even block toxic accounts. Use them.   

5.  Break Free from Addictions Now

Addictions in all forms, whether substance abuse, gambling, or even social media and screen time, can cripple you in a crisis, especially when you can't get your fix. Modern life makes this harder, with algorithms designed to keep you scrolling and dopamine hits replacing real satisfaction. If you’re struggling, seek help before a collapse makes help scarce. Quitting now builds resilience and ensures you’re not battling withdrawal when clarity is critical. 

6.  Embrace Joy and Balance 

Survivalism can feel heavy, but don’t let it consume you. Find moments to laugh, relax, and savor life. Practice gratitude daily. This isn't some "new age" advice, as it literally rewires your brain over time to focus on hope. As a “hopeful realist,” acknowledge the world’s challenges, as well as your own, but act on solutions. 

 

Small, positive steps like organizing your supplies or learning a new skill, build confidence and counter anxiety. Constant exposure to bad news such as doomscrolling clickbait headlines can erode hope and lead to anxiety and depression. Avoid despair by unfollowing YouTube and social media accounts that engage in fear-mongoring. 
        
7.  Pick Up Non-Prepper Hobbies

Hobbies unrelated to survivalism offer a mental escape and build resilience. Examples could include painting, music, knitting, woodworking, writing your novel, or even hunting for Bigfoot. The possibilities are limitless, and they remind you there’s more to life than preparing for the worst. Keeping at least one or two hobbies offline will also help avoid too much screentime. Many hobbies can be shared, helping build friendships and overcome the isolation of social media.  
        
8.  Reconnect with Nature

Nature is a powerful antidote to modern stress. Spend time outdoors—camp, hike, fish, garden, or simply sit under a tree enjoying the birds singing. Learn about your local ecosystem: its plants, animals, and water sources. Outdoor skills are practical for survival but also soothe the mind. Resources like the  Backyard Wildlife Habitat program (website link) can guide you. In an age of AI and social media, nature reconnects us to the tangible.     

9.  Prioritize Sleep

Sleep is non-negotiable. 7+ hours nightly for adults. More for children. Chronic sleep deprivation, common in our 24/7 digital world, wreaks havoc on mental and physical health. Constant connectivity has lead to a sleep crisis. Create a sleep routine, avoid screens before bed, and treat sleep as a survival skill. A well-rested mind is your greatest asset in a crisis.
 

10.  Become a Lifelong Learner

Learning new skills builds confidence and mental agility, and rewires your brain by strengthening neural connections. Study practical skills such as coding, first aid, food preservation, or foraging. These will serve you in both daily life and in emergencies. Learning a musical instrument or a new language is also a killer mental workout. Knowledge replaces fear with capability.

A Bonus Thought

“For as he thinks in his heart, so he is.” — Proverbs 23:7 

Your mindset shapes your reality. In a world bombarding us with negativity through social media algorithms or apocalyptic headlines, choose thoughts that empower you. Focus on capability, not fear. This isn’t blind optimism but a deliberate choice to build a resilient, hopeful mindset for whatever lies ahead.

Where to Get Help

Mental health challenges don’t make you weak; they make you human. Seek help early to stay strong. 

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988  (website: 988lifeline.org).

• Veterans Crisis Line: 988, then press 1  (website: veteranscrisisline.net).

• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741  (website: crisistextline.org).

• Anxiety and Depression Association of America: adaa.org for resources and support groups.

• For Substance Abuse: SAMHSA Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)  (website: samhsa.gov).

• Digital Mental Health Tools: 1) Apps like BetterHelp or Talkspace for virtual therapy (available on App stores). 2) Digital Detox (website: digitaldetox.com) and apps like Freedom for managing screen time.

• Addiction Support: Alcoholics Anonymous (aa.org), Narcotics Anonymous (na.org), or Smokefree.gov for tobacco addiction.

• Local Resources: 1) Your local health department likely provides mental health resources, including free or low-cost clinics, crisis hotlines, and referrals to local therapists. Call or visit their website for more info.  2) Local clergy (pastors, priests, rabbis) will often be able to refer you to programs, support groups, and counselors in your area that can help.  3) National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has many local chapters that offer support groups, education programs, and helplines. Visit nami.org to find local branches.

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