LIFE

It's no secret that our world has been through a lot recently. On large and small scales, these events can cause uncertainty, fear and confusion. While we can't always control what goes on around us, we *can* control how we respond. Keep reading for some tips on ways to deal with negative news. 

Set boundaries

While the fear of missing out—even on a bad story—can be tough to deal with, it's important to create boundaries around your news consumption. Setting time limits is one easy way to do this. Think about which times of the day you tune into the news most and how that affects you. Does checking the news feed first thing in the morning make the rest of the day feel gloomy? Is your before-bed doomscrolling having a negative impact on your sleep schedule? It could also depend on the situation: Maybe you realize that catching up on current events when you're already stressed out makes *everything* feel worse. Whatever the case, figure out your boundaries and stick to them (yep, even if it means powering down your phone for awhile).

Find comfort in your fave things

So you've determined that it's time to unplug from the news for a little while. Now, seek out some activities that will cheer you up and help you decompress. Is exercise your #1 form of stress relief? Are you in the mood to curl up and watch your fave feel-good TV show? Or maybe you'll feel better if you reach out to a family member or friend and spend some time with the people you love—offline, ofc.

Take action

With all of the painful things happening around us, it's hard *not* to feel powerless. But remember that you can do something, no matter how small it might seem. You might want to donate to a cause you're passionate about. Or you'd rather give your time by volunteering for a local organization. Maybe you want to make your voice heard on social media. These are all great ways to start getting involved and making positive changes. 

Resources

If you need to talk (about anything) or need support:

Text 'HOME' to the Crisis Text Line at 741741. They have trained counselors that can talk with you about any concern you're having, whether it's a personal or global issue.

Text 'TEEN' to 839-863 or call 800-TLC-TEEN (800-852-8336).

Visit OK2Talk.org. 

by Samara Smukler and Riley Yates | 6/26/2022