Managing Stress of Catastrophic News

Remember: animals, too, can intuit your fears and apprehensions.

To manage extreme mental agitation from news about the LA fires, limit your exposure to news coverage, practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, seek support from loved ones or a mental health professional, consider taking a break from social media, and find constructive ways to help those affected by the fires; if your anxiety becomes overwhelming, reach out for professional support.

Key strategies: 

• Limit news intake: Avoid constant exposure to graphic images and updates by setting specific times to check news and taking breaks when needed.
• Practice relaxation techniques: Deep breathing exercises, meditation, progressive muscle relaxation can help calm your mind and body. 
• Connect with others: Talk to friends, family members, or a therapist about your feelings and concerns. 
• Engage in healthy activities: Exercise regularly, eat nutritious meals, and get enough sleep to manage stress.
• Social media break: Consider temporarily reducing or stopping your social media usage to minimize exposure to potentially upsetting content. 
• Find ways to help: If you feel motivated, donate to relief organizations or volunteer to support those affected by the fires. 
• Seek professional help: If your anxiety is significantly impacting your daily life, consult a mental health professional for coping mechanisms and support. 

Important points to remember: 

• Validate your feelings: It’s normal to feel anxious or distressed when witnessing large-scale disasters like wildfires.
• Focus on what you can control: While you can’t control the situation, you can control your response to it.
• Be kind to yourself: Allow yourself to feel emotions and prioritize self-care during this difficult time.
• You cannot feel bad enough to make anyone else feel good.  You are allowed to feel good without feeling guilty of the massive suffering going on globally.  Your good feeling brings light onto the planet no matter how insignificant or powerless you may feel yourself to be.