looking for some coping suggestions

[itgetsbetter2025]

Here's the thing I get severely triggered when dealing with bigotry. This past year has pushed me to my limit. I can't watch any form of news except weather. I didn't even know there was a plane crash or who's going to the super bowl. I need some tools to help me engage again. It's not realistic to be disengaged. It seems like overnight people stop caring about their neighbors and brazenly show disrespect for them. The goal of equality has gone out the window. Does anyone have a suggestion on how to calm my anxiety and safely get back to living?

[RS1974]

I don't blame you for not liking news and bigotry, what I do watch local and weather and some political stuff especially now days makes me panic but I watch the segments I watch and put cartoons on it's something light easy going and nothing stressful there. Take care

[itgetsbetter2025 in reply to RS1974]

Lol my granddaughter has introduced me to Bluey. and I'm running out of Vet reality shows. The weird thing is I have a mild fear of animals.

[zeezou]

Same, I don't even remember the last time I watched news. It's okay not to watch something if it makes you feel something that you don't like feeling. Try to follow pages or accounts that post wholesome stuff that's happening around, it helped me a lot.

[itgetsbetter2025 in reply to zeezou]

Thx. I know I need to tune in at some level , it's just hard to ignore the triggers.

[zeezou in reply to itgetsbetter2025]

I know, you'll be fine though. Hold tight! 💙

[TeaOwl]

It’s so smart to take a break from the news. I’ve done the same off and on and also am exhausted from the past year… years?

Something that helps me immensely is being a part of Sharon McMahon’s private group and bookclub via Instagram. I don’t know if that’s something you would be interested in, but please check out her page and her work. She truly is a calm and steady voice in the storm of our political and cultural climate, and has helped me make sense of things so many times with *facts* and compassion. If that is not your thing, her podcast and online interviews are also helpful.

Anyway, I wish I could be more help. Thank you for sharing. It helps to know I’m also not alone

[itgetsbetter2025 in reply to TeaOwl]

Thanks TeaOwl, I'll check her out. I'm glad you understand what I'm feeling because not being able to talk to someone about it just raises my anxiety.

[TeaOwl in reply to itgetsbetter2025]

Yes I do understand completely. It’s been so hard. It’s amazing that you’re on here getting your feelings out in writing. It’s like a detox for the brain I think

[TeaOwl]

ItGetsBetter2025:

I forgot to say, Sharon’s IG handle is @sharonsaysso). I truly think if the news and the awful bigotry out there is causing the majority of your anxiety, that her page and private club (that I’m a part of) will be a soft place to land for you 💛 It is for me

[LadyZen]

Glad you posted this. I've been avoiding the news and politics because of this. But because of my line of work, I can't avoid it anymore, now I'm depressed. I'm trying to cope with it. I'm resting right now. But I take long walks. That helps.

[itgetsbetter2025 in reply to LadyZen]

Hi LadyZen. The last I didn't think I would make it but I survived so I know I will again but the state of the world is what is really depressing me. I know my statistics aren't right but it seems like 2 out of 3 ppl are judgmental or a hypocrite.

[Foxboy1047]

I can second not wanting or being able to watch the news. It's very triggering. It definitely overstimulates me and starts my anxiety up. I have terrible physical anxiety so I feel the discomfort in my whole body.

With me and my therapist I've told her I've cut out a lot of social media and news bc of my reactions to it.

Our society has built ourselves around the fascination of what other humans are doing in the world. We end up comparing ourselves and lives to things that aren't even real or honestly even important. We create our own depression and anxiety comparing ourselves to other people's lives.

[Hachipoppy55]

Stop watching the news! I have always found it detrimental to my mental health. I follow @goodnews_movement on instagram for positive news. There are always still good people in the world, you just have to find them…