Navigating tough times and distressing news (Thursday Thoughts: 2 November, 2023)

It’s time for my weekly round-up of tips for better mental health! Each week I share a handful of things I’ve come across that I find interesting, intriguing and inspirational, plus I tell you about anything interesting that’s coming up on my weekly podcast, Let’s Talk About Mental Health, or just generally in terms of my work. So… let’s talk!

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Hello Talkers! 👋🗣😃

I think we can all agree that some weeks feel heavier than others, don’t they?

These last few weeks have been hard. The news seems to be a constant stream of challenging and often-distressing events that can leave us feeling emotionally drained. Now, while it’s vital to stay informed, it’s equally crucial to channel our reactions in a constructive and healing way. So let’s talk about some actionable steps to cope with the emotional weight that often comes with difficult news.

First things first, remember that it’s okay to take a step back. Continuously exposing yourself to distressing news can take a toll on your mental health. Nobody needs to see news on a 24/7 loop, and I’d go so far as to suggest limiting your consumption to 30 or even 15 minutes a day. It’s not about ignoring what’s happening, but about preserving your emotional bandwidth to respond effectively; you can stay informed without being bombarded with the hysteria of the news media.

And yes, there are ways to respond that go beyond social media activism, which, let’s be honest, sometimes spirals into a toxic atmosphere that does more harm than good. It’s great to advocate for your beliefs using your social media platforms, but if that’s all you do then all you’re doing is shouting into the void. And, further to that point, don’t use social media to attack others for their views or for not expressing their views. Channel your energy into something positive and constructive.

So here is one simple and actionable tip for the week: Choose one positive action you can take in response to distressing news. Maybe it’s donating to a trustworthy organisation or perhaps it’s starting a constructive dialogue with someone in your community. The point is to do something that contributes to solutions and fosters a sense of agency.

Remember, retreating into an echo chamber or launching attacks on others who don’t share your viewpoint isn’t just unhelpful, it’s damaging to your own well-being and to the broader conversation. Let’s aspire to be a force for good, even when the world feels anything but.

Wishing you a week of constructive conversations and emotional self-care.

Jeremy 😃


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😊 My Favourite Inspiring Posts Recently:


💯 My absolute favourite post this week:

Small steps will eventually add up to big results. No steps will add up to no results.


💬 My favourite quote this week:

“I have learned not to allow rejection to move me.”

Cicely Tyson

😁 My favourite posts from my channels this week:


🤗 My Latest Podcast Episode:

Read the transcript here (opens in new window)

🎥 Watch My Latest Video:

Thanks for reading and have a fantastic week. Talk to you next time! JG 🙂

Did you read this from a link or have it forwarded to you? Join my mailing list to have it sent to your inbox each Thursday, along with the new episode of Let’s Talk About Mental Health every Sunday.

© 2023 Jeremy Godwin

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