this is ridiculous, I know

[ShouldaWouldaCoulda]

I'm embarrassed to seek help for this but the Worlds political issues are scaring me to death I'm having anxiety attacks, I am afraid of what is going to happen I am American and in my late sixties I'm on my own and I cry and can't seem to stop watching or reading about all this political drama

[b1b1b1]

The best thing is to stop watching the news and reading the newspaper. I have a friend who also gets upset by current events and she quite successfully keeps away from the news.

I should point out, for future reference, that discussions of politics, religion and a few other divisive topics are not allowed on this site.

[optimismrus]

Not ridiculous at all. I stopped watching all news shows on Nov. 5th. I feel much better and set free from the drama. I think a lot of us became addicted when covid made us stay inside and we watched and worried every day. Being a retired American History teacher I was mortified to see what was happening. Look on the Pinned Posts list and you'll find free ADAA Blogs that deal with Election Anxiety. You don't have to let this obsession ruin your life. I'm glad you shared. Let us know how you're doing.

[BlueAgave in reply to optimismrus]

Wow, you were an American history teacher! I'm embarrassed to say that I have such limited knowledge of my country. Do you have any book recommendations on the subject?

[BlueAgave]

ShouldaWouldaCoulda, your fears are valid and you're not alone in this. The media reels you in and it's difficult to not watch or read. Then it gets so overwhelming and the fear and anxiety begins. You're not the only one having a difficult time. If you can, just limit your time with the media, find something else you can watch instead that is more positive. It really helps, I've had to do it. Keep up your self care and faith. We will get through this time together. ❤️

[Marktime]

Think of yourself as a nomad disconnected from anything but the land, your loved ones, friends and local community. Then find something you enjoy and replace the news, politics with it, you may find like I did that nothing changed, except i was free of of that hell and it is freeing.

[worthytobeloved]

You are not alone in feeling this. People all over the world are feeling the same. All we can do is to hope that good prevails.

[fauxartist]

Know the things we cannot change, change the things we can, and have the wisdom to know the difference.

I followed the news everday for years...voted, petitioned, and went to rally's...all for nothing. Now the chaos is beyond anything I thought could possibly happen, but it is. I can do nothing to change that..... but I can change how I limit myself to exposure, and therefore, work on my environment. I don't care what's going on anymore, nothing changes outside, I cannot fix or change it, people voted for who they wanted.

[Dolphin14]

I'm fortunate to have a therapist that I'm able to talk to.

She said many of her clients are struggling with this right now.

I'm just hoping for some good outcome, holding on by a thread.

We are " in it" and there's nothing we can do.

❤️🐬

[punkster]

I share your concerns. I have started attending protests, as it is the only thing I can do. On an everyday basis, I try to immerse myself in each day. I concentrate on my work, my husband, my family, my dog and my hobbies. Hopefully, this too shall pass.

[-Charlie]

I watch the news everyday as I’ve always had a genuine curiosity about what’s going on in the world. I feel better if I know. I’ve learned to watch it with a somewhat detached perspective as I predicted things would be the way they are today. Nothing surprises me anymore.

If it makes you upset, try not to watch it or maybe just read highlights every now and then to feel connected. Don’t ever feel embarrassed to reach out for help. Talk to someone you trust to help you get through it. You’re definitely not alone in being scared. I think everyone is in varying degrees. I sent an email to my congressman with my thoughts on the current status of things. He’ll probably never read it but it sure made me feel better.

[lovemydoggy in reply to -Charlie]

There’s an app called 5 calls: Contact your Congress. You should check it out. It’s a way to make a difference. You choose your issue and it connects you to your representatives. Read a script and leave your info. It all gets counted and it’s more effective than email.

[designguy]

I too am like Charlie but i've found I need to not watch or read any political news in the evening and especially before bedtime. I've also noticed how angry and potty-mouthed my facebook postings have become so trying to cutback and modify them. Compulsively checking the news can be a sign of needing to be in control and the reality is that the only control we have is our next breath.

[lovemydoggy]

It isn’t ridiculous. It’s a difficult time in America. I get it. I’m dealing with a lot of anxiety and stress because of our situation here. My approach is to set aside a period of time each day to do a quick news check in. Then move on. Always with the knowledge things might change completely by tomorrow.

We’re less than 2 months in. Don’t invest too much energy into worrying because everything is in flux and will be for the foreseeable future. I assume whatever the headlines are today may not apply tomorrow or in an hour from now. That keeps me from going into a spiral. America will get through this. So will we.