The World Feels Heavy. We are all feeling it.
We’re living in a time where every scroll, headline, and breaking news alert seems to bring more stress. I follow several independent reporters, not affiliated with any news station, and every time I see a “breaking news” alert from them, my first thought is, “What now?”
We’re witnessing rumors of war, experiencing growing division among one another, facing injustice across the globe, and navigating economic uncertainty and political hostility. It feels like everything is on fire and for many of us, that constant tension is leaving a mark.
Whether or not you’re politically active, none of us are immune to the emotional weight of the world. Many are quietly battling anxiety, burnout, depression, and even PTSD-like symptoms, not because of a personal crisis, but because of the ongoing pressure of collective stress.
Our Most Powerful Resource
Before we talk about mental health tips or media boundaries, let’s pause and acknowledge something deeper:
Faith is not a luxury in times like these, it’s a necessity.
When the world feels unstable, faith offers us an eternal foundation. It reminds us of who we are, who God is, and where true peace comes from. This isn’t about ignoring pain or pretending everything is fine. It’s about learning to carry peace within you, even when the storms of life rage around you.
In moments of uncertainty, Scripture speaks directly to our hearts:
“So do not fear, for I am with you.” — Isaiah 41:10
When we feel confused, hopeless, or overwhelmed, we must learn to lean on our faith. For me, that faith is in God. During my hardest moments, He has been my source of strength, peace, and direction.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5
We are living in a time that feels unreal—where anything can happen, and little surprises us anymore. We crave peace… but how do we actually find it in the midst of chaos?
One of my favorite devotionals that brings daily grounding is:
Jesus Calling by Sarah Young – short, powerful readings that speak peace into the noise.
The Impact of this Climate On Our Mental Health
We may find ourselves feeling irritable, angry, anxious, restless, or unable to sleep. Sometimes we act impulsively, doing things we wouldn’t normally do or we withdraw completely because the weight of everything feels too heavy. These are signs of emotional distress.
Some may argue that our mental health shouldn’t be affected by what’s happening in the world but that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Historically, we’ve seen depression and anxiety spike during major societal crises. Think of the Great Depression, wartime, post-9/11 and even as recent as a global pandemic, people were trying to survive, but the psychological impact didn’t stop there. It echoed through future generations.
Today, science confirms what many of us intuitively know: trauma can be passed down biologically. This means the emotional weight we carry in times like these may directly affect our children, unless we intentionally create space for healing.
Here’s how this chronic stress can show up:
- Constant exposure to distressing news can lead to emotional numbness, hypervigilance, or a sense of helplessness.
- Children absorb our stress, even when they don’t fully understand what’s happening.
- Unprocessed fear can result in mood swings, irritability, withdrawal, and disrupted sleep—for both adults and kids.
If you’ve felt unusually tense, scattered, or emotionally drained lately, you’re not alone.
This is a normal response to abnormal levels of societal stress.
How to Stay Grounded: 7 Practical Steps
1. Start the Day With Stillness
Instead of reaching for the phone, start with prayer, scripture, or a spiritual journal. Invite God into your day before the chaos begins. When you grab your phone in the morning remember the first thing you grab sets the precedence for the rest of your day.
30 Days of Prayer Journal for Women – beautiful and simple guide to start your mornings with faith.
2. Limit News & Social Media
Set boundaries. Choose one trusted source, and check it once or twice a day. It is very tempting to scroll throughout the day just to disconnect from reality or because so much has been happening but this will not benefit you. Avoid scrolling before bed.
3. Move Your Body, Calm Your Mind
Whether it’s yoga, walking, or dancing in the kitchen, movement helps regulate emotions and process stress. Do not discount the benefits of exercise. The next time you try grabbing the phone to scroll ask yourself “would benefit more from this or a going for a walk”?
4. Create Pockets of Peace at Home
- Eat together without screens
- Light a candle during dinner
- Play music that soothes or lifts your spirit
- Practice gratitude as a family before bed
5. Model Vulnerability for Kids
Talk about the world, but don’t dump your fear on them. Say things like:
“It’s a hard time right now, but we are safe, and God is with us.”
This gives them emotional safety and spiritual reassurance.
6. Stay in Community
Isolation feeds fear. Connect with a small group, church family, or trusted friends who uplift your spirit.
7. Know When to Seek Help
There’s no shame in needing support. If stress is impacting your ability to function, sleep, or enjoy life please talk to someone. Your therapist is well aware of how distressing it is at the moment in society and this conversation will not be surprising or difficult.
Consider online therapy through platforms like Online Therapy it is accessible, private, and effective for managing anxiety and depression.
You Can’t Fix the World but You Can Protect Your Peace
You were never meant to carry the whole world on your shoulders. The news doesn’t deserve your peace, your joy, or your hope.
In a world full of noise, be intentional about seeking stillness.
In a time full of fear, anchor your heart in faith.
In a culture obsessed with division, choose compassion and connection.
You are allowed to rest. You are allowed to unplug. You are allowed to focus on what truly matters.
Let’s End With This:
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
Isaiah 26:3
Read more:
American Psychological Association – Media Exposure & Stress
https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2020/sia-pandemic-media-use
BibleGateway – Search Bible verses like Isaiah 41:10 or Proverbs 3:5
https://www.biblegateway.com/
