Although I’m a Psychotherapist in Ireland, more and more, I meet with people who are in a crisis due to international events.
Many of us are grieving how we thought the world operated. We bear witness to the suffering of people we’ve never met, as we watch their lives being taken or torn apart from afar through a rectangular device in our hands.
We find ourselves in shock, disbelief and fear due to concerning election results worldwide. We grow weary of fake stories and misinformation that shape society.
We fear for our home, worried about impending climate disasters. The distress is tangible and we often feel helpless.
Coupled with this helplessness is a guilt that we’re not doing enough and an anger at our leaders for not doing enough either.
All of these emotions are valid. I feel it too. But as legitimate as these concerns are, they can become overwhelming.
Perhaps you find yourself crying more often or suffering from anxiety. Maybe you’re starting to feel depressed, unable to find joy in things you once loved. The guilt and grief might be making you withdrawn and unable to engage in your normal way of life. It’s a lot to carry and it’s understandable to feel burdened by these emotions.
So, what can we do about it? I wish I had a definitive answer that could resolve everything but, unfortunately, I don’t. I can, however, offer you some tips to help you manage your well-being during these tumultuous times:
- Limit Media Consumption: While staying informed is important, incessant exposure to news can lead to feeling overwhelmed. It’s perfectly okay to take breaks when you need them.
- Monitor Social Media Use: It’s easy to fall into the trap of doom-scrolling, but this habit only exacerbates feelings of helplessness. Set boundaries for yourself and stick to them.
- Stay Connected: Share your feelings with trusted friends or family members. Engaging with like-minded activists, advocates, or community groups can be a great source of support.
- Focus on What You Can Control: While you can’t control the world, you can control your actions and responses. Concentrate on the small, positive changes you can make in your life and to society.
- Engage in Self-Care: Allocate time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Whether it’s through hobbies, exercise, or simply taking a moment to breathe, self-care is vital.
- Seek Professional Help: If you find your feelings are too overwhelming to handle alone, talking to a professional can make a significant difference.
Your feelings are valid. Life is undoubtedly tough right now. Remember, you are not alone, and it’s okay to seek out support.
Take of yourself because you matter.
If you’d like to explore your feeelings further, I offer a FREE consultation which you can book here. This is to make sure that I’m the right fit for you.
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Taking care of yourself during a global crisis | The Psychotherapeutic Coach 2025