Wars across the globe.
Famine in Sudan.
Political unrest.
An approaching election.
The barrage of bad news feels relentless. Every headline, every talking head on TV, every push notification, or yet another panicked Instagram reel, TikTok, or tweet (or X post) shouting, “Pay attention to THIS too!” It seems like there’s always one. More. Thing.
I’m not revealing any deep industry secrets when I say that your therapists don’t have all the answers to the pain and suffering in the world. We’re human and feel it deeply, just like you. What I and my colleagues can offer our community is a safe place to feel. A safe place to process, cry, and express any fear, anger, sorrow, or anything at all that might bubble up during these stressful times.
Humans have a capacity for evil and hatred. This has always been true. But we also have a tremendous capacity for beauty, love, and joy, and this, too, has always been true. When the bad news feels like it’s everywhere, you are not doing harm by finding moments to care for yourself and your loved ones. You can protect your spirit, even while recognizing the privilege of living in relative safety.
It’s normal and beautiful to want to bear witness to suffering and find ways to help, and it’s also okay to take a break when the weight of it all becomes too much.
Here are some ways to balance staying informed and protecting your mental health:
1. Limit Media Exposure
2. Find Beauty in Small Moments
3. Ground Yourself in Nature
When the world feels overwhelming, step outside. Even brief moments in nature can help us reconnect to what’s stable and enduring. Plant bulbs in your garden as an act of hope. Feel the dirt under your hands and remind yourself that growth is always possible. Take walks, breathe in the fresh air, and feel the sunshine on your face—small acts of mindfulness that remind you that the world, in all its beauty, still exists.
4. Engage in Acts of Creation
5. Take Meaningful Action
6. Balance Engagement with Rest
7. Don’t Lose Touch with Your Humanity
We are living in unprecedented times. It often feels like we’ve been in a state of constant crisis for years, from pandemics to wars to political upheaval to climate disasters. But in this ever-changing world, remember that we, too, can adapt, find peace, and continue to care for each other.
Take this to heart as you navigate these challenging times: it’s okay to rest, it’s okay to feel joy, and it’s okay to find moments of peace amidst the chaos.
About the Author
AJ Grovert, PsyD, LCP
Dr. AJ Grovert is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with expertise in EMDR, perinatal mental health, psychological assessment and psychedelic-assisted therapy. She has significant experience and passion for working with Jewish clients, LGBTQ+ communities, female veterans, and those recovering from religious traumas. She has been in practice for over 10 years and specializes in a number of areas such as trauma, perinatal mental health, anxiety, and emerging adulthood.
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