Coping with Distressing Media
In an era of unprecedented times
Australia and the world have experienced various crises including pandemics, climate disasters, social unrest, and wars.
Navigating through these tumultuous times can be emotionally taxing and psychologically draining. However, by acknowledging the emotional impact, understanding the connection of stressors, and implementing proactive strategies, we can find resilience and empowerment amidst the chaos.
Where should I start?
It's crucial to recognise and validate the emotional toll these crises have on us. Processing our emotions can help us heal and become more resilient. It's important to acknowledge and allow ourselves to feel emotions such as fear, anger, or sadness. This is the first step towards emotional healing and building our inner strength.
We experience once-in-a-lifetime events more often than we should. When we use social media, we can see events as they happen, which can affect us emotionally. We experience trauma by witnessing it directly or through discussions with acquaintances.
How does the media impact our actions?
In today's world, it can be challenging to form our own opinions about current events due to the prevalence of strong viewpoints and the difficulty in finding accurate information. We may face criticism for not taking a stance on certain issues and may feel compelled to be more socially active.
As we become more politically active, we may face opposition from those who disagree with us. This is a unique and unprecedented situation, and it is important that we take care of ourselves and those around us as we navigate these events. Remember to prioritise your well-being and the well-being of others.
Many of us are juggling multiple stressors simultaneously, such as health concerns, economic instability, social injustices, and environmental threats. Understanding the interconnectedness of these stressors can help us navigate their effects more effectively.
How do I handle distressing news?
Look at your hierarchy of needs (for example, Maslow’s hierarchy shown below) and make sure your basic needs are being met. The constant barrage of distressing news and information can lead to "headline fatigue" and psychological strain. It's essential to recognise when we're approaching burnout and take proactive steps to prioritise self-care and mental well-being.
Reflecting on our personal values and how we want to engage with these events can provide clarity and direction. Whether through advocacy, volunteering, or community engagement, taking positive action aligned with our values can empower us and contribute to meaningful change.
Setting boundaries for ourselves and in our interactions with others is crucial for maintaining mental and emotional balance. Knowing when to step back from consuming news or engaging in discussions that exacerbate stress is essential for self-preservation.
Leaning on your community
Cultivating a strong support network of friends, family, or community groups can provide much-needed emotional support and validation. Lean on your support system during challenging times and reciprocate by offering support to others when needed.
You can share resources and experiences. Incorporate self-care practices into your daily routine to recharge and replenish your energy reserves.
Prioritise taking care of yourself without feeling guilty. When it comes to taking care of yourself, it's important to find what works best for you. Ways to improve your well-being include:
Remember that everyone is different, and what works for someone else may not work for you. Experiment with different methods until you find what helps you feel your best.
Plus, keep in mind that self-care is vital for your well-being and that embracing flexibility and adaptability is key when navigating global crises.
How do I draw strength from these challenges?
To successfully navigate change, it's crucial to maintain a positive attitude towards growth. This means being open to new opportunities and adapting to new circumstances as they arise. By embracing this mindset, we can build resilience and overcome challenges more easily.
Managing ongoing world crises requires a multifaceted approach that encompasses emotional acknowledgment, values-based action, boundary setting, and self-care. We can become more resilient, feel empowered, and move through uncertain times with strength by using specific strategies.
It's important to remember that we're all in this together. By supporting one another, we can come out of this experience even stronger and more resilient than before.
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