How to Stay Informed Without Getting Depressed

I’ve always been troubled by massive injustices inflicted upon fellow citizens. In my quest to determine how to prevent a future Holocaust for example, I needed to understand what caused it. One of the most important lessons I learned in my college course, “Introduction to Political Freedom”, is that the most horrific injustices of the world occur when we are not paying attention and when we disengage.

Thus, I’m a big believer that it is essential to stay informed and engaged in what is going on in the world, and to do what you can to make it a better place.

But as an empath, staying informed and keeping engaged can be emotionally taxing and overwhelming.   Every day I wake up, thinking about the state of our country, and how we can have peace and justice in this world.   And often this obsession with the direction of our country leaves me in despair about the future.

But I know that I’m not alone, so after doing some research on the internet, I found some great advice which I’ll share below.

1.)   Honor your emotions

This article from Natural News says that when hearing bad news, most people go into avoidance mode.  But trying to shut out negative thoughts does not allow you to process what you know.   The emotions will stay in your body and come out in other ways.   This idea is very much in line with what I’ve learned as an effective Holistic Brain Health practitioner.   It is important to accept our feelings, and when they are honored, they can be released!   Check out my article on How to Release Emotional Pain for more tips on letting your emotions go.

2.)   Get active

Do something about the problems that concern you the most.   Not only will you feel better about yourself, but you will know that you are a part of the solution to creating a world that aligns with your values.

3.) Join a local group

Find people working on the same issue. Having friends that are motivated towards a similar goal is a great way to build friendships. Also, your ability to make an impact will be expanded by the strength of the organization you join.

4.) Know what you are doing matters

Know that even if you can’t see immediate gratification, that you are a part of the change. To start a movement, there is often a lot of resistance at first, even if it’s the right thing to do.   There is the effect of a collective inertia. But as outlined in Malcolm Gladwell’s book, The Tipping Point, just one person can push a cause to a threshold where the cause starts to become a trend.   Do what is right, even if it is not popular, because the more that people choose ethics over inertia, the better our world will be.

5. ) Look for what works

Once you’ve chosen where you would like to focus your energy, look for examples of what has worked historically or in other countries.   The more we keep focused on what others have accomplished, the easier it becomes to envision our own success. Plus we can learn from their strategies to effect our own change.

6.) Find things to be grateful for

Look for things to be thankful for in your personal life and in the rest of the world.   I recommend both Yes Magazine and Uplift Radio and TED talks to remind of us of the good that is happening in the world.   Keep an eye out for positive news to keep your hope and spirits up about what is possible.

7.) Stay balanced

Don’t take on so much that your mental health is compromised.   Take the time to do the things that nourish you.   Allow yourself to heal when needed.   Your impact will be greater as an activist when you stay positive!

Do you know anyone that needs to know how to stay informed without getting depressed?  Please share this article with them!

Need more support with releasing trauma from bad news? The Body Code is an excellent method to release trauma, grief and despair. Check out what is possible, and give me a call at 1855 ENERJOY to contact me for a complimentary consultation!

 

 

“Man Reading News in Laptop” is courtesy of David Castillo Dominici at FreeDigitalPhotos.net