in light of this news, I do wanna say this for anyone who needs it: staying informed/in the loop and doomscrolling are two different things, and it's important for your mental health to know what that difference is for you.
it's essential now more than ever to make sure that we're in the loop with current events and politics. this post is absolutely not advocating for ignoring the news, especially considering factors such as privilege. if you're able to, please do try to stay informed. but there comes a point where information can become too much (particularly when you belong to a marginalized group), causing stress, anxiety, and burnout. being an informed citizen shouldn't come at the expense of your wellbeing.
right now, please ask yourself: am I checking the news to stay up to date, or am I checking it because I'm scared? am I following current events to enhance my understanding, or am I following it because I'm too anxious to tear away?
if you feel rising panic, dread, and anxiety that's spiraling, it's time to step back. being an informed citizen doesn't mean agonizing over things you can't control. when that happens, it's time to reign yourself back in.
consider this post a checkpoint, especially if you're an American, black/a person of color, a marginalized identity (be it religious, gender/sexuality, or disability), or any combination thereof. it's alright to step back and care for yourself.
allow yourself room to breathe. it'll be okay. you'll be able to step back in when you're ready.
