Sometimes you wake up look at your phone, or turn on the TV and think, “what is going on with this world?” Everywhere you look there is news of violence, incredibly sad events, or people angry with one another. The events may be so shocking that they take your breath away, and may consume your thoughts and mental energy. You may find yourself thinking, “I don’t know if we can survive in a world like this.” It’s during times like this that you need to take a deep breath and take control back for yourself.
□Understand there are many situations in the world.
After learning about a difficult situation, give yourself a break; stop reading about it or watching TV—unplug yourself! Take time to find positive and inspiring situations that will help shift your focus to see the good in this world..
□Surround yourself with support.
Sometimes just spending time with family or close friends can make you feel more secure and provide comfort when world or local events are troubling you. Talk to a trusted adult about your feelings. If you do not know who to talk to, talk to one of our counselors, we will be there when you need us.
□Empower yourself.
You can be a change agent. You can pray for others. You can be involved in supporting others; volunteer your time, be a blood donor, work to raise money for causes that really speak to you. Set goals to make a difference through your future education and career choices.
□ Practice kindness.
Volunteer at an animal shelter, help a neighbor with their yardwork, participate in community events. Simple actions like these not only improve the lives of others, but they also help us remember there are good things happening every day that don’t make it on TV. They also provide a sense of control by allowing us to commit to making a difference in the world around us. Mother Theresa once said, “If you can’t feed 100 people, feed just one.” No effort is too small to improve the lives of others and your own!
□Take time for yourself.
If you feel overwhelmed and at a loss of how to process the news that you have heard, give yourself permission to take a step back and take care of yourself. Journal your feelings or work on other coping skills that will help you manage your emotions.
During stressful times hope can seem far away; but if you take the time to look, you can find it. Hope can shine light on even the darkest events that happen in this world, and hope will give you renewed energy to make a difference in your own life and in your community.
