How to handle grief when the world is going to sh*t

Do you ever just stop and think, *what in the actual hell is going on in the world today?* I mean, with everything going on - from the Israeli-Palestine conflict to the Ukraine war and, well, seemingly every corner of the globe - it feels overwhelming. Especially for those of us already dealing with personal grief.

For many, it's almost impossible to escape from the deluge of heartbreaking images and news stories. Families in distress, children in pain, and just so many sad faces. Raise your hand (or hit that 'like' button) if you've found these events exacerbating your own grief. It's okay to admit that these global happenings make our hearts ache more intensely. We're human, after all.

Why Global Crises Hit Harder When You're Grieving

1. Heightened Sensitivity: Grief naturally makes us more vulnerable. So, when tragic events unfold worldwide, our emotional reactions tend to be magnified.

2. Empathy Overdrive: Grievers feel a profound sense of empathy. Witnessing others suffer can reignite our own pain.

3. Lack of Control: Feeling helpless amidst global crises can be a potent trigger. This lack of agency can remind us of our own losses, amplifying our distress.

Recognizing the Triggers

Media Overload: It's hard to escape the constant barrage of news, which can overwhelm and exhaust us.

Anniversaries: If a global event coincides with the remembrance of a personal loss, the emotions can become too much.

Injustice: The unfairness of life is made even more palpable by the suffering of others, reminding us of our personal pains.

I can't see a photo of a child without thinking of my dear Libby, or see the loss of a parent without recalling my own recent losses. The senselessness of conflict-driven pain feels infuriating.

So, How Do We Navigate This?

1. Limit Media Exposure: Stay informed, but set boundaries. Protect your mental space.

2. Seek Support: Talk to friends, family, or professionals. Voicing your feelings can be therapeutic.

3. Prioritize Self-care: As cliché as it sounds, it's essential. Nurturing yourself physically and emotionally is crucial during these times.

4. Engage in Activism: Channel your emotions into actions. Support related causes to feel empowered.

5. Mindfulness Practices: Grounding exercises, like yoga or meditation, can help manage anxiety. I personally find ASMR to be super calming.

Remember, there's always hope. Even amidst darkness, there are countless individuals and organizations tirelessly working for positive change. Cherish those bright spots, and don't let the world's chaos make you devalue your personal grief. Your pain, your feelings, they're valid, regardless of what's happening globally.

Navigating grief in such turbulent times is undeniably tough. But you're never alone in this. Remember to lean on one another, support each other, and together, we can sail through these stormy waters.