How to Protect Your Mental Health Amid Frightening National Current Events

Therapy in St. Louis Can Help You Stay Grounded

You probably know someone who’s struggling to make sense of what’s happening in the world right now. And, you might be feeling it too.

When the news feels heavy and nonstop, it’s completely normal to experience a wide range of emotions. Fear, anger, grief for the way things used to be, and helplessness about what’s next are all valid reactions to uncertain and overwhelming times.

If you’re feeling anxious, emotionally drained, or disconnected from yourself or others, therapy in St. Louis can help you stay grounded and build the emotional resilience you need. You don’t have to figure this out alone.

Why National and Global Crises Hit So Hard Emotionally

Even if you're trying to stay calm, your nervous system might be in a constant state of stress—especially if you're regularly consuming news coverage, social media updates, or graphic content.

You might notice:

• A persistent sense of unease or dread

• Trouble sleeping or feeling rested

• A sense of powerlessness or emotional overload

And if you were already dealing with personal challenges—grief, trauma, burnout, or anxiety—current events can feel like too much. In therapy, I help you understand and regulate your nervous system while exploring how the stress of world events may be compounding existing emotional pain.

Signs Your Mental Health May Be Affected

Big events can stir up big emotions, even if you're trying to “keep it together.” Some common signs that your mental health might be struggling include:

• Increased anxiety or intrusive thoughts

• Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep

• Compulsive social media scrolling or doom-scrolling

• Feeling emotionally disconnected from others

• Heightened irritability or emotional reactivity

• Difficulty focusing or staying present

You are not overreacting—and you’re definitely not alone. These are normal responses to abnormal circumstances, and therapy in St. Louis can help you make sense of them.

Coping Without Numbing or Shutting Down

You don’t have to choose between being informed and protecting your mental health. The goal isn’t to ignore what’s happening—it’s to stay grounded while staying aware.

Here are a few practices to help you stay balanced:

• Limit your exposure to media by setting time blocks

• Use mindfulness tools like deep breathing, grounding, or guided imagery

• Unplug when needed, without guilt

• Focus on your daily rhythms, like meal times, movement, and sleep

In therapy, you’ll learn how to recognize when your coping strategies are serving you—and when they might be contributing to avoidance, overwhelm, or burnout.

How to Stay Informed Without Losing Yourself

You can stay informed without letting the news consume you. Creating structure around how and when you consume media can help:

• Choose just one or two trusted sources

• Set a timer for your news-checking sessions

• Avoid checking the news before bed

• Skip sensationalist or overly opinion-based content

Therapy can help you build internal boundaries that allow you to engage without becoming emotionally hijacked. With the right support, it’s possible to stay present and balanced in your day-to-day life—even while staying informed.

Community, Connection, and Taking Action

When we feel helpless, turning to our community can be a powerful antidote. You don’t have to solve everything everywhere. Start small, and start local.

• Volunteer or contribute to a cause you care about

• Join a neighborhood group or initiative

• Support mutual aid projects in your area

• Talk to trusted friends or neighbors about what you're feeling

When to Seek Extra Support

Sometimes, stress builds slowly until it suddenly feels unmanageable. If you're noticing a decline in your mental health related to current events, therapy might be the next step.

Therapy in St. Louis can help you:

• Process fear, grief, or anger in a safe space

• Learn practical tools to manage emotional overwhelm

• Reconnect with your inner calm and resilience

• Explore what hope and healing look like—even in hard times

There’s nothing wrong with you. Your reactions make sense in the context of what’s going on in the world. And even though so many people are hurting, your pain still matters.

Therapy in St. Louis Is Here When You're Ready

Whether you're feeling emotionally overloaded, constantly anxious, or just tired of trying to “push through,” therapy in St. Louis can offer the support you need to feel steady again.

Call me at 405-208-1279 or schedule a free 20-minute consultation today. Let’s talk about how I can support you as you navigate these difficult times with more ease and self-compassion.

Schedule your free 20-minute consultation here: https://edie-rasmussen.clientsecure.me

If you're in a behavioral health crisis, please CALL 988 for immediate help and support.