How do I deal with feeling overwhelmed by world events?
Current Events
World event overwhelm is common in our connected age - limit news consumption, focus on what you can control, and take meaningful action where possible.
Feeling overwhelmed by world events is an increasingly common experience in our hyperconnected age where we're constantly exposed to global crises, injustices, and tragedies. Your empathy and concern for others is admirable, but consuming too much negative news can lead to Anxiety disorder, Major depressive disorder, and a sense of helplessness that doesn't actually help anyone. The human brain isn't designed to process the suffering of millions of people simultaneously - we evolved to care for our immediate tribe, not the entire world. Start by limiting your news consumption to specific times and trusted sources rather than constantly scrolling through social media feeds filled with alarming headlines. Choose one or two reliable news sources and check them once or twice a day rather than staying plugged in constantly. Focus on what you can control and influence rather than feeling responsible for problems you can't solve. This might mean volunteering for local causes, donating to organizations you trust, or having conversations with people in your community. Taking meaningful action, even if it's small, can help combat the helplessness that comes from passive consumption of world problems. Practice self-care" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Self-care and maintain perspective - you can care about global issues while also protecting your mental health and enjoying your own life. Remember that staying informed is important, but becoming paralyzed by world events doesn't help anyone. You're more useful to causes you care about when you're mentally healthy and emotionally regulated.