Opinion:
Hello, my dear community! Over the past month, many of us have felt inundated by a relentless stream of national and international events—stories marked by conflict, uncertainty, and strong emotions. I often hear the same concern: “I want to stay informed, but the political climate and constant news cycle feel so overwhelming that I don’t know how to engage without it affecting my mood and mental health.”
For this month’s column, I want to address a growing mental-health challenge: how to stay engaged with the world without allowing politics and the news cycle to overtake our psyche or spirit.
I want to be clear—I am not here to argue for any political ideology. Rather, my intention is to be inclusive of diverse perspectives while focusing on something we all share: our emotional responses to the world around us.
Step One: Set an Aspiration
Mahatma Gandhi famously said, “I will not let anyone walk through my mind with their dirty feet.” He also reminded us, “You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty.”
These words invite us to define our own aspirations and values—perhaps integrity, open-mindedness, compassion, or a commitment to lifelong learning or civic engagement.
Next, commit to doing what it takes to rise up to your aspirations and live in accordance with your values.
Step Two: Cultivate Self-Awareness
Notice your emotional and social reactions to the news. How do you feel after engaging with certain stories, and how do those feelings shape your interactions with others?
Recently, after dropping my child off at school, I had a 10-minute drive and a choice: listen to the news or continue listening to a song whose lyrics—“Blessed in this life, I’m gonna celebrate being alive”—felt unexpectedly uplifting. I chose the music and saved the news for later in the day (when I knew I would have a better mindset to tackle it). That small choice noticeably changed the energy I brought with me.
Step Three: Be Mindful of Your Impact on Others
How we talk about the news matters. While connection is important, unfiltered emotional unloading can be overwhelming. Sharing thoughtfully and listening generously helps preserve relationships and keeps conversations supportive rather than draining.
Step Four: Digest the News in Healthy Ways
Be intentional about when and how you consume the news. Some people find print less emotionally taxing than audio or video. Certain outlets are designed to provoke strong reactions; discernment matters. Consider limiting notifications or avoiding the news before bed if it disrupts your rest.
Also, notice whether you are learning. Curiosity and expanding perspective can counterbalance negative emotional states.
Step Five: Choose Your Approach in Each Moment
Clarity of intention can transform conversations. Saying, “I want to process how I feel about this,” or “I’d like to better understand what’s happening here,” helps keep discussions thoughtful and human.
Finally, continue prioritizing relationships and activities that keep your mind discerning and your heart hopeful—time with friends and family, the strength of our local community, or meaningful civic engagement.
Anne Lamott reminds us, “Hope begins in the dark, the stubborn hope that if you just show up and try to do the right thing, the dawn will come.” Showing up may look different for each of us, but small, intentional choices matter.
My hope is that we meet this moment, not with calloused or downtrodden hearts, but with steady minds, compassion and a shared belief that it matters to be thoughtful, caring people.
With that, I wish you all a nourishing February. As always, I welcome your thoughts, questions, and reflections—please feel free to write in and continue the conversation.
Ann O’Brien, LCSW, MSc, is a Playa del Rey resident and therapist, specializing in relationships. Contact her with questions or comments at ann@annobrientherapy.com or visit annobrientherapy.com. You can also visit her Substack, Relational Insights: at annobrientherapy.substack.com.
By Ann O’Brien