When the world feels like a scary place
Some weeks, the news can feel like a lot: conflict, disasters, uncertainty about what’s coming next. It’s normal to feel scared, sad, angry, or just plain overwhelmed by what’s happening in the world, especially when it feels like there’s nothing you can do about it. Here are six ways to stay grounded when the world feels like a scary place.
Stay kind
There are more people trying to do good in the world than trying to do harm, even when it doesn’t always feel that way. Help spread the good. Try to redirect your energy to lift others up and encourage the people around you to do the same. Kindness is a habit. The more you practice it, the more natural it becomes.
Stay grounded
You can’t always control what’s happening around you, but you can control how you respond to it. When things feel like too much, try taking a breath. Notice the tension in your body and let it soften. Look for something small and good nearby, whether that’s the weather, a pet, a favourite song, or a picture of a place that makes you feel at peace. Take another breath. Then approach whatever’s in front of you from that calmer place.
Stay informed
It’s good to know what’s going on in the world, but there’s a difference between staying informed and letting the news take over your headspace. Even accurate, balanced coverage can start to feel overwhelming if you’re consuming it constantly. Choose your sources carefully and think critically about what you’re reading or watching. Talk to an adult you trust about what you’re seeing online or in the news. And when you feel like you understand an issue well enough, it’s okay to step away for a while.
Stay curious
Try to stay open to different ways of looking at things, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Take time to learn about the history behind an issue, not just what’s happening right now or what the headline says. Watch out for explanations that feel too simple. Look for context and pay attention to what may be missing. Understanding and addressing important issues often involves a lot of different people, perspectives, and approaches working together.
Stay involved
Sometimes it can feel like there’s nothing you can do about something that feels huge or completely out of your control, so it’s easier to look away or distract yourself for a bit. That’s a completely valid way to cope sometimes, as long as you’re not just burying how you feel and never coming back to it. But other times, small opportunities show up, and small actions (especially when a lot of people join in) can add up to something bigger.
You can help by talking about issues to build awareness and understanding, or by advocating for something you believe in. You can do your part in ways big or small: helping a friend, planting a tree, donating what you can, or supporting people who are already helping. And once you’re old enough to vote, you can use that vote to support leadership that reflects the change you want to see.
Stay strong
Time doesn’t fix everything, but it does give you distance and perspective. Be patient with yourself and with the people around you. Remind yourself that you’re stronger than you think. Pay attention to the moments of joy that still show up, even on hard days, and notice the ways things grow and change for the better. Practice gratitude when you can so you can keep in mind the people, moments, and things around you that bring you peace and joy. It won’t erase what’s hard, but it can help you carry it.
Reflection question
Which of these feels hardest for you right now: staying calm, staying informed, or staying involved? What’s one small step you could take today?
The world can feel like a lot some days, and you don’t have to carry that weight by yourself. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, reach out to a trusted adult, or connect with a trained counsellor at @KidsHelpPhone anytime by calling 1-800-668-6868 or texting CONNECT to 686868.
For more free helplines, check out our Helpline Hub.