This year’s theme is “mental health in humanitarian emergencies”, it is all about highlighting the importance of people being able to protect their mental health in times of global instability.
It feels like there is a lot going on in the world right now and you can’t escape it. Whether it’s on the news, the radio, social media, topics of discussion, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and hopeless in the face of current events. Being continuously exposed to the news can really take a toll on our mental health and leave us feeling emotionally drained, anxious, guilty and scared.
But there are things we can do to protect ourselves and others when it all becomes too much.
– Set boundaries. It’s ok to take a break from the news, it can be beneficial. Turn off notifications on your phone or unfollow any accounts that bring you anxiety. – Use grounding exercises. Try practicing mindfulness or going for a walk in nature to help bring you back into the present moment. – Have phone-free times. If you often find yourself doomscrolling, set phone-free times or zones that could help break this habit. – Focus on what you can control. Small actions matter. Whether it’s signing a petition, volunteering with a local cause or donating items, positive actions can help shift feelings of helplessness into purposefulness. – Give yourself permission to rest. Rest is essential for wellbeing, taking time to look after yourself is so important. Read a book, take a nap, do yoga, whatever you choose to do, take some time out that allows you to rest and recover.
Never forget there is always someone you can talk to, whether it’s a loved one or through a helpline.
