The News is Making Me Depressed and Anxious

I'm trying to limit my time watching the news, as it is so depressing, but it's so hard to get away from as coworkers, friends, and family members constantly talk about what's happening.

I'm particularly getting anxious due to the situation with Iran and possible revenge against the U.S. I live in a populated city and am anxious about attacks. I know I can't let fear stop me from living my life, but it's hard to do when you see a huge increase in security and people telling you to be extremely vigilant.

If it's not the news, I get down about not having health insurance and financial stability. I'm also worried about not having retirement. I have absolutely nothing in retirement and can't save much, as I live paycheck to paycheck at the moment.

Sometimes, I feel like a hamster on a wheel.

If I lived in a major American city, maybe I'd feel a little bit worried about America being attacked.

However, I live in rural Maine. The chances of my area being hit are so low and unlikely that I don't worry about it at all.

As with all other worries this also is out of our hands.

I find mindful walking and sitting in stillness, if only for 5 min is helpful.

Perhaps it my past, I constantly remind myself that I will not let the future or others actions, including IRANS take my contentment or joy [little that I have at times] away. l

I watch CNN for an hour, couple times a week, so I am aware of what to pray for, this is my faith.
Sure it is hard not to become over anxious and let it over. But that is what I have skills for. Put world right next to my abusive family and cheating husband that I have been separated from for 2.5 years.

I hope this helped in some way.

Peace, strength and calm.
Trina

Watching the news or reading news on the net is truly depressing. Most of all the innocents are involved. I truly agonize when those who have no ability to stand on their own are abused. Animals especially. I hate abuse of any kind.

I live in the States and our government is ridiculous. From top to bottom its all a big joke. I would love to have a government which actually cared about the people instead of how they can make themselves rich. Sorry for the rant.

I watch the news but just to search for a ray of hope amidst the clouds and rain. I am just searching for a kind word. A caring person.

dmo

I am sorry Trina, I did not mean our country was horrible. I am frustrated the people who need help here seldom get it. This is a great country with many people giving their lives in its defense.

You are right in that friendship and love start with us. We take the time to help others and hopefully these others help still more people.

My wife is a quilter and she has taught me to make quilts also. I put the squares together and then form a chain. She puts on the binding and backing. I never thought I would like doing this but was pleasantly surprised. I think its the little things in life that make us the happiest.

Please feel better
dmo

My country is going down the worst path possible: of course I am depressed and anxious about it. I can do absolutely nothing except watch in numb outrage as all the things that were predicted to happen happen - I have no power to stop any of it. I wish I hadn't lived to see this far in history, because I don't think it's going to get any better from here. I could be wrong, but I'm not seeing any plausible path by which things can improve rapidly enough to stop the impending catastrophe. It's as though we are locked in a death spiral, with the right wing insisting everything is absolutely fine and everyone else screeching impotently that it isn't.

We are not just putting ourselves at risk of extinction, but every other species on this planet too. But sure, a few insects will probably survive. Microorganisms too. Mammals, fish and birds: not so much.

I try not to think about it too much, because it could make a person crazy. And not many people want to hear my bleak view of humans.

Edit: Sorry for being so depressing :-/

Post Edited (NiceCupOfTea) : 1/12/2020 5:35:17 PM (GMT-7)

Oceanfisher- I feel exactly how you do about our government. I know that no country is perfect, but I also get frustrate as people do not get the help that they need as you rightly said. Right now, I'm anxious because I don't have health insurance and need to see a doctor. Grrr...one day at a time I guess.

NCOT-I like reading your views as I feel it is similar to mine. I really empathize with you as things also seem unstable on this side of the pond. As a matter of fact, it seems like most countries are a mess right now. The only thing that gives me hope is that there are a lot good people fighting to protect the rights of others. It makes me happy that there are still people in this world with morals.

Bnot-Your absolutely right. If 20 women can get along, there is hope for us all. LOL.

I have limited my time watching the news, but still feel a bit anxious. My anxiety came out yesterday when I was in church. There was odd person there and my anxiety heightened a little because of all the shootings or assaults at places of worship. It has gotten so bad that my pastor stated that he and other religious leaders are thinking of hiring security. It is so unbelievable that people now have is a fear of going to a place of worship. I guess all I can really do is live my life and take things as they come.

It is very interesting the way all of us have different things we get depressed and anxious about. World events seem horrible to me and I believe things will not get better (just my opinion).

I tend to get upset over my health and events in my life. I have worked hard and now that its time to retire I am sick all the time. Add to that I am saddled with taking care of my wifes father (another long story where my wifes family refused to help us).

Depending on your world view I guess it doesn't really matter. I am a person of faith so I believe life and this world will follow a pre ordained path (just my opinion).

I truly am sorry for everyone here who worries or is depressed. I am right here with you.

Feel better everyone
dmo

Through out history many thought the world would never get better.

There has always been hate, evil, intolerance etc... Archeologists even discovered humans in the neolithic period fought and killed clans, for water locations.

Sadly this is the human element.

In America, people are finally being faced with reality. The majority of public lived happy lives with blinders on.
Can't do that now. America has joined the rest of the world in this way.

However, this is so much good in the world. People doing a amazing things to make life better for those around them and for the world in general. This information does not hit the media. Does not make ratings.

We have to look for it.

We can also make our own lives happier. Smile at people. Greet them, good morning, afternoon, etc...
Hold doors, tell people to have a good day.

When you have a little extra money fill a shopping bag with tampons, toilet paper and socks. Take to the local Womens shelter or give to homeless if you pass on the way to work everyday. Or on the way to somewhere
For Men, socks, underwear and TP

I am sure everyone can think of some random act of kindness to do everyday. The ripples go far.

Peace and strength
Trina

Right with ya trendy.😀🐢 HT

Weary,
I respectfully disagree. I believe everyone, including celebrities who I don't pay attention to, are entitled too their opinions/views, no matter how much we may disagree with them- that's the beauty of America.

As for the economy being strong, I don't know. It seems like most people are working 2 or more jobs to survive, from what I've read and seen first-hand. The cost of living has increased although most people's paychecks has remained stagnant. Unemployment may be 'down', but this doesn't take into account the people working 2 or more jobs or those who have stop looking for work altogether, etc. ( I'm no expert, but I do think that people need to look behind the numbers to get a truer picture of the economy). There's also the matter of a huge deficit which will definitely affect the economy in the long run, and the fact that young adults are earning less than their parents' generation which I believe is a first.

Yes, America is # 1 in my view, but then again I haven't lived in any other country, so my perspective is limited. I suspect most people will also argue that their country is also number 1. But I do agree that the country is and has always been divided, and I suspect this will never change. Unfortunately, there will always be bigotry and prejudices of all kinds in every corner of the world. However, some of the things said by the current President has been extremely disconcerting to say the least and have contributed to the division (just looks at some of his tweets). I could really go on and on, but won't, so I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree.

Post Edited (ForeverPositive) : 1/22/2020 8:53:57 PM (GMT-7)