Why Global Events Can Leave Us Anxious, Hopeless, and Overwhelmed - And What We Can Do About It
In today’s interconnected world it is nearly impossible to avoid hearing about wars, humanitarian crises, and political unrest. From Palestine and Ukraine to Sudan, Afghanistan, Yemen, Syria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, Haiti, and Myanmar, stories of violence, displacement, and suffering dominate the news cycle. For many people this constant exposure does more than keep them informed. It begins to take a toll on emotional well-being. Feelings of anxiety, depression, hopelessness, and despair are becoming increasingly common as people struggle to make sense of events that feel beyond their control.
Understanding why these feelings arise, and recognizing that they are normal human responses to overwhelming circumstances, is the first step toward reclaiming balance and protecting mental health. By identifying what contributes to these difficult emotions, and by finding ways to respond with compassion and resilience, individuals can move toward hope again.
5 Causes of Global-Event-Related Anxiety and Hopelessness
1. Overexposure to Traumatic News
The 24 hour news cycle and the immediacy of social media mean we are constantly surrounded by images and stories of destruction, grief, and injustice. Unlike previous generations who may have only encountered such events in the newspaper or evening broadcast, today’s technology ensures that tragedy reaches us almost instantly. Prolonged exposure to traumatic content can create vicarious trauma, where people absorb the pain of others, leaving them exhausted or emotionally raw. Over time this can fuel anxiety, nightmares, or avoidance behaviors.
2. Loss of Control
Large scale conflicts and political instability remind us of how little influence we have over global systems. Even those who are proactive in their own lives may feel powerless when confronted with war, famine, or human rights abuses. This lack of control can erode motivation and fuel despair, leading people to ask themselves if their efforts really matter. When agency feels out of reach, paralysis and hopelessness often follow.
3. Empathy Overload
Many people, especially those who are highly empathetic, experience what is sometimes called compassion fatigue. Seeing children suffer or communities destroyed naturally sparks deep feelings, yet without time to process or boundaries to protect our own hearts, empathy can turn into exhaustion. Instead of motivating action it can cause people to shut down, disconnect emotionally, or feel guilty for not being able to do more. With so many crises happening at once, the emotional weight can become unbearable.
4. Fear for the Future
Conflict and instability across multiple regions naturally lead people to worry about the future, not only for those directly impacted but also for humanity as a whole. Concerns about climate change, rising authoritarianism, or whether the next generation will inherit a safer or more dangerous world add layers of stress. These worries often mix with local challenges such as housing, employment, and health. When global events are added to already difficult personal circumstances, fear about what lies ahead can feel constant.
5. Erosion of Trust in Leaders and Systems
One of the most disheartening aspects of watching global crises unfold is the erosion of trust in leaders and institutions. When governments or international bodies appear ineffective at preventing suffering, people often feel betrayed. Over time this loss of faith feeds cynicism and despair. It can also create isolation as people disengage from politics or community work that once gave them meaning.
5 Ways to Protect and Strengthen Mental Health
1. Limit Media Consumption
Staying informed is important, but consuming endless streams of traumatic news does not improve understanding. It only increases distress. Setting boundaries around news and social media use can be an act of self care. Try checking updates only once or twice a day, unfollow accounts that share graphic images, or create media free hours where you disconnect. These habits give your nervous system space to rest and allow your mind to focus on what is safe and steady in your own world.
2. Ground Yourself in the Present
Anxiety thrives on uncertainty and often pulls us into catastrophic thinking. Mindfulness practices such as meditation, deep breathing, or simply pausing to notice your surroundings can anchor you in the present. Paying attention to your breath, the ground beneath your feet, or the sounds around you helps bring calm. Over time these practices not only reduce stress but also strengthen your ability to stay steady when the world feels unstable.
3. Engage in Local Action
A powerful antidote to helplessness is meaningful action. We may not be able to end wars or solve global crises, but we can make a difference locally. Donating to trusted organizations, volunteering, or supporting newcomers in your community can restore a sense of agency. Even small acts like checking in on a neighbor or mentoring youth remind us that our choices matter. These steps create real change and rebuild a sense of empowerment.
4. Strengthen Your Support Network
Talking about how world events affect you lightens the emotional load. Friends, family, or community groups provide validation and comfort. Professional counselling can also offer a safe place to process feelings of grief, despair, or anxiety. Humans are wired for connection, and when we share struggles we remind ourselves that we do not have to carry them alone. Building networks of care is especially important during times of instability.
5. Prioritize Rest and Joy
It may feel selfish to focus on joy while others suffer, but caring for your own wellbeing is not avoidance. It is resilience. Rest, sleep, movement, creativity, and play keep body and mind nourished. This makes it possible to sustain compassion for others. Activities like reading, cooking, being in nature, or connecting with art help balance despair with moments of peace. You cannot pour from an empty cup. Rest and joy are essential to maintaining strength and presence.
It is normal to feel anxious, depressed, or hopeless when faced with global suffering and instability. These emotions are not weakness. They reflect empathy, humanity, and care for others. By recognizing the causes of these feelings and taking steps to nurture mental health, we can remain compassionate and engaged without being consumed by despair.
If you are struggling with overwhelming emotions, know that you do not have to face them alone. At Mountainside Wellness we provide counselling for people navigating stress, trauma, and anxiety in a world that often feels heavy. Together we can build strategies to strengthen resilience, restore hope, and create peace even in uncertain times.
