What's ailing you?
Evocative terms for restless times
For about a year now, I’ve use an app to track my mood. Prior to the presidential election last November, I was consistently reporting myself as good; however, since Trump was elected and especially since his inauguration, I’ve more often been describing myself as meh. I’ve also been self-reporting as unsure, anxious, angry, and stressed rather than happy like I was pre-election.
I know from talking to friends and family that a lot of people are suffering physical and emotional stress as a result of the upheaval taking place in the government. One of my friends was worried about the effect this was having on her cognitive function. My mom has complained of stomach trouble. I’ve been struggling to fall asleep and then waking up in the middle of the night in a panic.
What I’m feeling day-to-day now doesn’t seem to be fully captured by the descriptors in my mood tracker. It’s more complex than being good, meh, or bad. Yes, I’m unsure, anxious, angry, and stressed, but even those terms don’t seem to fully do justice to the way I’m feeling.
Copy that
The last week or so, I’ve been spending a lot of time looking at early 20th century medical ads in preparation for our Silent Sod one year anniversary celebration for subscribers happening over Zoom on Thursday February 6th at 8pm EST.
The language of these medical ads (the copy) often feels over top, but this might be what we need to more accurately name what’s ailing those of us who are unhappy with the new administration.
We’re not just meh or bad, we’re despondent, gloomy, melancholy. We’re nervous and suffer from nervous exhaustion.
Terms like nervous debility seem to have fallen out of popular use, most likely for sound medical reasons, but the characterization of the ailment in this advertisement for an electric belt treatment includes some choice descriptors that might resonate now: lack of vitality, sleeplessness, weakness of body and brain, failing memory, lack of energy and confidence, and my favorite, evil forebodings.
I don’t think the solution to what we’re experiencing to take Dr. Dix’ Tonic Tablets, but if their ads were to be believed, this medicine would help those of us who currently feel weak, nervous, run down, delicate, puny, peevish, sick of heart and sore of limb; those of us who have no appetite or strength, no desire for work or recreation; and those of us who are dizzy, weak, and for whom food lies badly in the stomach.
Connection
One theme that has resonated with me since last November’s election and has helped me keep hope is focusing on building connections with my community both digital and IRL. That’s why my sister and I are really looking forward to celebrating the one year anniversary of The Silent Sod with our subscribers Thursday February 6th at 8pm EST. We’ll be talking early 20th century medical advertisements and our plans for The Silent Sod. (We will try to avoid talking politics.)
If you’re a subscriber, you should have already received an email with information on how to join the Zoom call. I used AI to help me make an invitation for the party in the style of a 20th century medical advertisement, and the copy promises “Connection” and “Cures Loneliness! Guaranteed Fun!”
Hope to see you there!
I love the better descriptions for this madness we are walking through. Sure did enjoy the anniversary party.
The Zoom celebration was so much fun! I loved the slideshow and getting to connect with other Silent Sod fans. We need an official nickname. Sodders? The Sodden?