Have you ever found yourself lying in bed at night, scrolling through endless news updates about wars, climate disasters, political corruption, and economic crashes—feeling utterly helpless, yet unable to look away? If so, you’re not alone.
In today’s hyperconnected world, it’s almost impossible to escape the sheer weight of global crises. From the threat of climate change to the brutality of war, from rising authoritarianism to the ever-widening gap between the rich and poor, it often feels like we are watching a slow-motion catastrophe unfold with no power to stop it.
If you constantly find yourself overwhelmed by world events, you may be experiencing something called global anxiety—the feeling of excessive worry about issues far beyond your personal control. It’s a combination of eco-anxiety (climate-related worry), existential dread, and helplessness about global events. It’s exhausting, disheartening, and, in many ways, entirely understandable.
Why Does the World’s Chaos Feel So Personal?
Back in the day (before the internet took over our lives), people mostly worried about what was happening in their immediate surroundings. Sure, big events like wars or economic crashes affected lives, but the details weren’t available 24/7, in high definition, from every possible angle.
Now? We are bombarded with information constantly. A single bad day can look something like this:
- You wake up, check your phone, and see devastating footage from a war zone.
- By lunchtime, you’re reading about record-breaking temperatures and the likelihood of catastrophic flooding.
- In the evening, you see news about political corruption, social injustices, or another billionaire’s space trip while millions struggle to survive.
No wonder it feels suffocating.
The Anxiety of Having No Control
One of the hardest parts of global anxiety is the feeling of powerlessness.
You see glaciers melting and forests burning, and yet, no matter how many metal straws you use or how diligently you recycle, it never feels like enough. You see posts about war after war, but you aren’t in a position to stop it. You see political decisions that could change lives for better or worse, but your single vote feels like a drop in an ocean of corruption and power struggles– this lack of control is one of the biggest triggers of anxiety.
Research shows how global crises can affect mental health as they contribute to increased anxiety, depression, PTSD, and a sense of helplessness, particularly among young people and vulnerable populations.
The human brain is wired to seek solutions to problems, but when faced with issues too vast for one person to solve, the result is often chronic stress, guilt, and helplessness.
“But Other People Seem Fine—Why Can’t I Just Ignore It?”
If you’ve ever felt alone in your worries, you may have wondered: Why isn’t everyone around me freaking out the way I am?
The truth is, people cope in different ways. Some avoid the news entirely. Some distract themselves with entertainment, work, or personal goals. Others rationalize—telling themselves that humans have survived every crisis so far, so surely we’ll figure this one out too.
And then there are many like you—people who care deeply, who feel the weight of suffering, and who struggle to disengage because it feels wrong to look away.
How Do You Cope Without Feeling Numb?
So, if the world’s problems aren’t going away anytime soon, what can you do to manage your anxiety? How do you stay informed without being emotionally crushed?
1. Recognize That Your Feelings Are Valid
First things first: You are not overreacting. The world is in a tough place. Feeling anxious, sad, or even angry about injustice, war, and climate change is a sign that you’re compassionate and aware. But while your feelings are valid, they don’t have to control your life.
2. Limit Your News Intake (Yes, Really)
Doomscrolling—endlessly consuming negative news—tricks your brain into thinking that the more you watch, the more control you’ll have. But that’s not how it works.
Try setting boundaries:
- Check the news once or twice a day, not every hour.
- Follow sources that provide balanced perspectives, not just fear-driven or hook headlines.
- Consider following some accounts/ channels that can provide you with “good news” from the world around you or just bring you serotonin, one way or another (be it through cat videos, funny pranks or some wholesome content that makes you feel good).
3. Take Action, No Matter How Small
One of the best ways to combat helplessness is to do something—anything—that aligns with your values.
- If you care about climate change, switch to sustainable habits and support organizations making a difference.
- If war and injustice upset you, donate to humanitarian efforts or amplify marginalized voices.
- If politics stress you out, educate yourself, vote, and engage in meaningful discussions rather than arguing online.
Align your actions with your beliefs and values—but not at the cost of your well-being. You don’t have to donate your life savings to an animal rescue and end up struggling yourself. Instead, focus on small, consistent efforts that feel right to you. Even the smallest acts can shift your perspective from despair to empowerment.
4. Focus on Your Immediate World
It’s easy to feel like nothing matters when the world seems to be crumbling. But here’s the thing: Your immediate world still matters.
- Being kind to the people around you matters.
- Building community matters.
- Supporting a friend who’s struggling matters.
You don’t have to solve global problems single-handedly. Just making your corner of the world a little better is a form of resistance against despair.
5. Find Joy Without Guilt
If you’ve ever felt guilty for laughing at a meme or enjoying a fun night out while others suffer, you’re not alone. But here’s the truth: You don’t have to be miserable to prove you care.
The world has always been chaotic, yet humans have always found ways to celebrate, love, create, and find meaning. Let yourself enjoy life. It doesn’t mean you’ve stopped caring—it means you’re balancing your well-being with your awareness.
6. Seek Support
If global anxiety is affecting your sleep, relationships, or daily functioning, talk to someone. Whether it’s a therapist, a friend, or a support group, sharing your fears can lighten the load.
You’re Not Alone in This
It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. It’s okay to care deeply. But you don’t have to carry the weight of the world alone. Find balance. Take breaks. Make an impact where you can. And most importantly, don’t forget to live your life too.
If you struggle with excessive worry and anxiety about the world unfolding around you, please book a session online using our calendar.
