Overview:
Many people are feeling overwhelmed by the constant barrage of bad news on social media and TV, leading to collective depression. To cope with this, it's important to set media consumption boundaries, reduce doom-scrolling, and curate uplifting social media content. Additionally, journaling, meditation, taking action, scheduling "me time," moving your body, laughing, surrounding yourself with good vibes, and remembering that you can unplug can help protect your mental space. It's essential to prioritize self-care and seek support from loved ones or mental health professionals when needed.
By Simone Kelly
If you’re like me, it’s been a struggle coming out of the cyclone of bad news. We’ve been overwhelmed with a constant wave of troubling information since the New Year started, from the wildfires raging in California to plane accidents, executive orders threatening to roll back civil rights, and the rising costs of food. Take a breath with me. We face challenges with immigration policies. Our freedom of speech is under attack. There are boycotts and ongoing reminders of the racial divide. Don’t forget the international conflicts: Russia-Ukraine, Israeli-Palestinian, and now Trump is threatening WW III.
Do you need a drink yet?
Before I send you to the therapist, I want you to know that you’re not alone. Many people feel overwhelmed by daily toxicity, just like you do. Unfortunately, we can’t even escape it since debates are happening at work and even at home. The state of affairs can be taxing on anyone with a pulse. The doom and gloom of the world of affairs are everywhere you look. Our emotional well-being is at stake every day, which is why so many of us want to curl up under the covers and forget that this is our reality.
It hit me the other day when I was driving in heavy traffic, and I let someone get in front of me by blinking my lights at him. He waved and smiled, thanking me, before easing in front of me. Then, out of nowhere, a few tears formed in my eyes. I actually felt so emotional from that simple kind gesture. I even thought, Geez, what was that about? I didn’t realize at the moment that it wasn’t just that stranger’s smile that made me shed a tear. His little sign of gratitude was a trigger to remind me that there is still kindness and humanity left in the world. Everyone is not at war with each other. It made me realize how much anxiety I had bottled up from the constant barrage of bad news on social media and TV. I even laughed at myself while sharing the story with a friend, and she reassured me that I wasn’t alone in feeling overwhelmed.
Political Stress and Mental Health: A recent article discusses how the current political climate contributes to mental health challenges, noting that approximately 40% of people report feeling stressed due to politics, with 10-30% experiencing negative physical, social, and emotional consequences.
The American Psychological Association has observed a rise in news-related stress and media saturation overload, suggesting that setting media consumption boundaries can help mitigate these effects.
American Psychological Association
It inspired me to do a whole podcast episode about it on my show Own Your Power Radio. I know many of us are feeling stressed. So, I made a list of simple ways to help you stay calm during these uncertain times. I dug into my own wellness toolkit to get grounded again and remembered there are so many things that I can control. Instead of letting the world’s negativity drain your spirit, here are ten ways to protect your peace and stay grounded.
10 Ways to Cope with Collective Depression (Without Losing Your Sanity)
1. Cut Down the Doom-Scrolling
Not all news is created equal. Set a time limit on your news intake and stick to credible sources that offer solutions instead of just panic. Maybe check in once a day, then go back to living your best life. There are various apps that can help you stay focused.
More than 7 in 10 adults reported the future of our nation (77%) as a significant source of stress in their lives, making it the most common source of significant stress in this year’s survey. The economy was the second most common, with 73% of adults having reported it as a significant source of stress. The 2024 U.S. presidential election followed closely at 69%
https://www.apa.org/pubs/reports/stress-in-america/2024
2. Curate Your Social Media Like a Pro
If certain accounts leave you feeling drained, hit that unfollow button with zero guilt. Fill your feed with uplifting content. Find comedy channels, travel bloggers, nature videos, and cute animals to make you smile.
3. Make Your Journal Your New BFF
When your brain feels overloaded, let it all out on paper. Journaling is the next best thing to therapy. Write about what’s stressing you, but also take a moment to jot down things you’re grateful for—it’s a sneaky way to shift your focus toward the good. Make a list of what’s working in your life and you’ll feel so good after.
4. Meditate, Breathe, Repeat
Take a few minutes for deep breathing or mindfulness. This can calm your nervous system and help quiet the chaos in your mind. It keeps you from spiraling. Find a youtube channel with your favorite guided meditation or zone out to some relaxing music.
5. Take Action (Without Burning Out)
Feeling powerless? Get involved in a cause that matters to you. Volunteer, sign petitions, donate—whatever aligns with your energy. Don’t forget to take breaks and recharge. Collaborate with like-minded individuals.
6. Schedule “Me Time” Like It’s a Work Meeting
Self-care isn’t selfish. Make time for joy. Enjoy a juicy novel, take a bubble bath, dance in your kitchen, or binge-watch feel-good shows. The world will keep spinning—you don’t have to be on high alert 24/7. Make Me Time MANDATORY.
7. Move Your Body (Even If It’s Just a Wiggle)
Exercise isn’t just about staying fit; it’s a natural mood booster. Go for a walk, do some yoga, swim, or dance around like nobody’s watching—because they’re probably too busy doom-scrolling.
8. Laugh (Even When Things Feel Messy)
Find reasons to laugh daily. Watch a funny show, swap memes with friends, or just embrace the absurdity of life. Laughter really is the best free therapy.
9. Surround Yourself with Good Vibes Only
Connect with people who lift you up and like to be positive. Being with supportive people, like family, friends, or an online community, really helps. Find your tribe.
10. Remember: You’re Allowed to Unplug
Take a break from the noise, focus on what you can control, and remind yourself that it’s okay to rest.
At the end of the day, protecting your mental space isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. So go ahead, take a deep breath, and give yourself permission to enjoy life, even when the world feels heavy.
Some further resources:
Get Involved:
Mental Health Support: Mental Health America of Greater Dallas offers various support groups, including an Anxiety Support Group that meets every Wednesday at 12 p.m., both in person and via Zoom. These peer-led sessions provide a platform for individuals to share experiences and coping strategies.
Simone Kelly is the CEO of Own Your Power Communications, LLC, an accomplished author, Intuitive Life Coach, and Reiki Master Teacher. Her company is a trusted guide for conscious living, intuitive wisdom, and personal growth. Explore her podcast, blog, and a variety of services, courses, and events. Join her community and mailing list at www.ownyourpower.biz.