It may feel like everywhere you turn, you are met with upsetting updates. Whether it’s the news about Covid-19, an incoming hurricane, or concern about a family member, it seems you can’t escape from troubling stories.

What tools can you implement to healthily process what you are hearing without letting it get you down?

If you are struggling with sad thoughts or worries, look to this list for ways to cope. And if you are experiencing neglect, loneliness, or elder abuse that is contributing to your sorrow, confide in a trusted adult and get help immediately.

  1. Write It Down: Keeping a journal can be a healthy way to expel your feelings so that you don’t have to carry them around with you. Write down what is heavy on your mind, and picture the worries being carried away. Then, you can make goals on small things you can do to help, such as sending a care package or volunteering for a worthy cause.
  2. Focus on Gratitude: Make a list of the good news that you hear. What are you grateful for in your day-to-day life? Think about the helpers represented in each news story. Shift your focus on how much good there is in the world.
  3. Share Your Concerns with a Friend or Therapist: Talk about what is on your mind with a close confidant. Let them share the burden with you and help you develop ideas on how you can process those stressful worries.
  4. Take Care of Yourself: Make sure you are practicing self-care: shower and get ready each day, exercise, eat healthy foods, see friends, and balance your day with chores and hobbies.
  5. Switch Up Your Routine: Visit an animal shelter and play with the animals. Go to a different grocery store. Join a book club. Watch a movie from your childhood. Find ways to fill your life with joy that will balance out the sorrow.

You don’t have to be miserable, carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. Instead, ease your burdens and learn to process new information in a way that does not affect your everyday life. If your stress and sadness are due to neglect or abuse, alert a family member immediately.

At Senior Safe and Sound, we want to help you stay safe and informed. For additional information and support, contact us by email at info@SeniorSafeAndSound.org or call 858-480-7551.

This information is intended to inform the public at large about this important issue. It is not intended to serve as legal or medical advice.