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?

[Nothing_but_books in reply to BlueAgave]

On what subject? Is it general American History that interests you? I may have some ideas.

[BlueAgave in reply to Nothing_but_books]

Yes, that would be great!

[Nothing_but_books in reply to BlueAgave]

Look through these and see if one interests you:

1776 by David McCullough

There was also a Broadway play with the same title that was turned into a fine, stirring musical.

John Adams by the same writer. They made a miniseries of it.

Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee : An Indian History of the American West by Dee Brown

If you're up for a novel, Uncle Tom's Cabin is a work of fiction, but an important piece of American History. There's a a possibly apocryphal story that quotes Abraham Lincoln on meeting the writer, Harriet Beecher Stowe, quiping, "So you're the little lady who who started this war."

I enjoy Band of Brothers too, but it is graphically violent. Writer Stephen Ambrose.

Please let me know if you find one you like. 📚

[BlueAgave in reply to Nothing_but_books]

They all look great. I'll look at little more into each one and let you know what I choose from. Thank you!!

[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.

[Adlon57 in reply to fauxartist]

I try not to watch the "main" news, I'm from Northern Ireland, just the local 'stuff' it's bad I know, things "seep" through from the big bad out of world control 'news', but I keep thinking it won't touch me, I'm too old to change, too small a cog in the running of the world, like you say fauxartist "Know the things we cannot change, change the things we can, and have the wisdom to know the difference."

[fauxartist in reply to Adlon57]

Yep.... best words ever....know the things we cannot change, change the things we can, and have the wisdom to know the difference.....that's been my M.O. for a couple 3 decades now. I do catch some stuff now and then inadvertently, or if I hear about something major I will check it out now.....but I went completely dark there for a while....it was healing therapy really,.... it felt like I was watching a clown car full of idiots trying to use politics like their own personal reality show for the clickbait with shock and awe.... just lost too many brain cells with that kind of nonsense.

[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.

[-Charlie in reply to lovemydoggy]

I downloaded the app - you’re right, it looks much better than email, assuming it all gets passed along to someone. Thank you for recommending it, I appreciate that.

[lovemydoggy in reply to -Charlie]

I actually spoke with someone once. They just listen and take your info. If you leave a message make sure you leave your name and address. Pass it on to your friends!

[-Charlie in reply to lovemydoggy]

Oh that’s good, you actually got a live person. That’s saying something these days. Yes, will definitely pass it on to friends and family. Thx again, I’m looking forward to using it!

[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.

[Ninaestelle]

No..I feel the same. The whole world is in such a mess. I am in my early 60s, English but live in France. The state of Europe is frightening but I think America is the hands of mad men who have too much power & money . I would hate to live in America!

I cry also for the state of the world and like you I watch too much!

I don't worry so much for myself, but the thought of the world to come makes me panic about the future for my children and Grandchildren. Growing up in the 60s &70s was full of hope. My children don't have what I had. ..

So I just want to stay in bed and not face life because I can't help them or even try. It's very scary

[Quantumconscious]

Yes, you are not alone as the previous posts have attested to. Yet, when alone I feel like I am the only one that feels this way and so it is helpful to see that there are other Americans who posted who share our concerns. I have cut way back on the news and eliminated most of the news notifications I used to get on my phone but some still leaks in. I watch YouTube a lot and they have a news section that you cannot eliminate (I wrote to Google and they said you can't get rid of it.) so I just skip it as quickly as I can. I feel fairly hopeless but that is just a feeling and does not necessarily reflect reality. I am just so sad that so many Americans have bought into the hateful lies but I am powerless and yes back to the Serenity prayer go I. The worst part is having a close family member as well as a dear friend who are members of the cult so we agreed not to discuss those topics yet it is painful to me to think that these people I thought I knew and who were once so compassionate could fall for this stuff. Thank you for sharing this and if you or anyone else wants to direct message about these topics I am open for that.

[Ninaestelle]

It's very heart warming to read your comments. As here in Europe the majority of people think America is crazy and everyone there is lost in hate. Your messages give me hope.I cannot understand how the most powerful nation in the world can give such power to such an idiot!

I am so sorry if I offend you but I grew up thinking America was the best place on earth & was going to emigrate, but my circumstances changed & and I stayed in Europe . Today I am so pleased that I don't live in the USA.

[LazyXrayEyes2255]

I only watch the news for health and technology updates! That is enough for me!

[Nothing_but_books]

I'm an American. Ashamed to admit I have almost no idea what's going on in the world today. It's gotten too much for me. When the news comes on as I drive, if I can't change the channel quickly enough, it's shocking. "If it bleeds, it leads."

I do my best to opt out. I see things going to hell, but I have no sense that I can change it. This from a youth activist.

[KrierandRosie]

I am right there with you! I was so excited about Kamala. Now we have a dictator. He’s a monster. I am 72. It’s lonely and painful. We never had his before.