Thread by @MindCharity

🧵 There's no question that the news is difficult to read and absorb right now. But we've got some things that might help you feel a bit less stressed. Settle in for a thread. (1/12)

1 - Limit your news intake.

Watching or reading the news can be a helpful way to stay informed, but it can also increase our anxiety or fear.

You might come across speculation on potential fallout and how it might affect the rest of the world, including the UK. (2/12)

Try: Only looking at certain times of the day, for a limited duration, and then doing something relaxing afterwards.

Make sure to: Stick to reliable, trusted news sources that don’t engage in ‘what ifs’. (3/12)

2 - Tailor your feeds.

When a news story is developing, it can be tempting to go online and see what others are saying. But that might leave you feeling anxious – especially if people are sharing content you’re trying to avoid, or posting concerning feelings or opinions. (4/12)

Try: taking a break, or limiting how you use social media.

Make sure to: regularly ask yourself – “is this helping me, or am I doom scrolling?” (5/12)

3 - Talk to someone.

It can be a huge relief to talk to someone you trust about how you’re feeling and say your worries ‘out loud’. It may be that just having someone listen to you and show they care can help in itself. (6/12)

Try: “Do you have time for a chat? I could do with some space to vent about…”

Make sure to: respect their boundaries if they say no. If you aren't able to open up to someone close to you, the @samaritans are available to talk 24/7 on 116 123. (7/12)

4 - Take action

Activism can be a great antidote to feelings of helplessness. When you’re feeling distressed about something specific, it could help to do something proactive.

There are some helpful ideas here - globalcitizen.org/en/content/way…

@GlblCtzn (8/12)

The idea of conflict in Europe is an unfamiliar one to many of us, and for some it could bring anxiety over what, if anything, might come next. (9/12)

Anxiety is a natural human response. We experience it when we feel we're under any sort of threat. Feeling anxious can be the ‘right’ way to feel, and doesn’t always mean you have a mental health problem. (10/12)

But anxiety can still be a hard thing to sit through. (11/12)

For more information and advice, visit mind.org.uk/anxiety

And reach out for support if you think it would help you 💙 (12/12)