Hi all—So, for the last couple of months (about a year) I have done all I can to avoid any kind of news, social media, outside sources of information, etc for the sake of my mental health, which tanked heavily at the start of 2024. Now, I’ve been trying to wean back in to being “aware” of things outside of my personal sphere for the sake of being “in the know” or prepared, but any ounce of outside news sends my anxiety through the roof and can tank my mental health for hours at a time afterwards. Like, 10 minutes of “news time” can tank my mood for an hour, easily. But, I want to stay aware and prepared so that I’m not blindsided by things. It’s a difficult balance that I don’t know how to do properly.
TLDR: News makes me depressed but I don’t think being a recluse is beneficial either. How do I stay prepared/knowledgeable about world events without relinquishing my mental stability?
Info: I am young (23) and have been in therapy for years, am medicated, etc, so please don’t tell me to seek medical attention for this—TRUST ME, I am.