How to stay mentally strong when it feels like the world is falling apart

pulse

May 24, 2017 12:54 PM

If you feel like you need to bounce your fears off someone, talk to your friends about them—even verbalizing concerns can help.

manchester arena attack news scary

It seems like it’s constant these days: You turn on the TV or log into Facebook, and you’re barraged with information about the latest scary thing that’s happened in the world, whether its North Korean nuclear testing or the tragic bombing in Manchester.

Sure, you’re well aware that terrible things happen to good people every day, but constantly being reminded of that fact daily can take a serious toll on your mental health.

That can leave you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, stressed out, and helpless, says licensed clinical psychologist John Mayer, Ph.D., author of Family Fit: Find Your Balance in Life.

Basically, regularly hearing about bad news can really mess with your life, even when it’s happening in another part of the world.

So…what are you supposed to do about it? It sounds obvious, but licensed clinical psychologist Alicia H. Clark, Psy.D., says that dialing back on how much news you’re consuming can make a big difference.

"'News diet' is one of the things I’m suggesting to people that are feeling overwhelmed by the news, and feelings of anxiety—limiting news consumption," Clark says. Mayer agrees.

He recalls one news junkie patient who was “flooded” with anxiety over the news—he found relief from dialing back on how much news he consumed by 80 percent.

Feeling overwhelmed by the news? Try this relaxing yoga pose:

It’s also important to put more focus on you and less on the scary stuff that’s out there. “Hobbies are good—keep them up,” Mayer says.

Fun movies are also a good distraction (think: more Beauty and the Beast, less Before I Fall), Mayer says, and regular exercise can keep endorphins flowing to boost your mood.

But, above all, go out into the world.

“Go shopping, go out to eat—this reminds us that the world is still OK and there for us,” Mayer says. “Don’t isolate yourself…that is a huge mistake.”

If you do all of this and are still struggling, it may be time to bring in a mental-health professional.

“When you find that you cannot control these reactions and actions toward events that are troubling you, then seek help,” Mayer says.

Enhance Your Pulse News Experience!

Get rewards worth up to $20 when selected to participate in our exclusive focus group. Your input will help us to make informed decisions that align with your needs and preferences.

I've got feedback!

pulse