The association between animals and suffering is so pervasive
I’ve been vegan for a few years now, and I go through bouts of extreme distress and vystopia like clockwork every couple of months. To the point where the mention or even the sight of animals makes my chest feel heavy.
I don’t know how to mitigate this, but I find that when I’m cuddling with my cats or when I see a cute video of an animal online, it sends me spiralling, knowing that trillions of these creatures suffer every moment of every day. I don’t want to forget about the injustice we perpetrate against animals just so I can feel a bit more comfortable in my day to day life, but I don’t want this negative connotation with animals to override my appreciation and love of them.
I often feel this way about humans too, but it’s counterproductive to any change or pursuit of justice. Does anyone have advice on how to change my thought pattern?