World Mental Health Day – Managing Overwhelm in a Turbulent World

Every year on 10th October we mark World Mental Health Day – a time to reflect on the importance of our mental wellbeing, and to raise awareness of the challenges we face in protecting it.

This year, the Mental Health Foundation’s theme is “Overwhelm: when global events and relentless bad news become too much.”

It’s a theme that resonates deeply. We live in a time of constant connectivity, where news about global crises, conflicts, climate emergencies and tragedies can reach us in an instant, and keep coming, hour after hour.

While it’s important to stay informed and compassionate, repeated exposure to distressing stories can leave us feeling anxious, drained, or even hopeless. I know I’m not immune to this overwhelm. There are moments when I catch myself scrolling obsessively through the headlines, checking updates far more often than is healthy. I notice how it affects my emotions: my body feels tense, my thoughts become heavier, and my ability to focus on day-to-day life suffers. When this happens, I try to make changes: I adjust the filters on my news apps, set boundaries on the time I spend reading or watching coverage, and remind myself that I don’t have to consume everything in real time. It’s a balance between staying informed and protecting my own wellbeing.

What helps to manage overwhelm not just on World Mental Health Day?

What helps me most is focussing on what I can control. I can’t solve every global crisis, but I can take steps to care for myself and support others in meaningful ways. I practise self-compassion to regulate my nervous system, allowing myself to rest, step away from the noise, and recharge. I also look for small, positive actions: whether that’s being kind to someone close to me, contributing to a community initiative, or simply offering a listening ear to a friend who is struggling. These things remind me that even in overwhelming times, we can make a difference in the spaces around us.

The Mental Health Foundation suggests several tips for managing overwhelm during turbulent global events:

• Limit your exposure to distressing news, choose set times to check in rather than constant scrolling.

• Take breaks and allow yourself space to rest.

• Practise grounding techniques, relaxation, or mindfulness to soothe the nervous system.

• Don't bottle up your feelings.

• Seek support through workplace resources such as an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) or trained Mental Health First Aiders (MHFA's) if available.

And remember: if you’re finding it hard to cope, you don’t have to face it alone. There are national support services available in the UK, including:

• Samaritans – call 116 123 (free, 24/7) or visit www.samaritans.org

• Mind – call 0300 123 3393 or text 86463, www.mind.org.uk

• Shout – text SHOUT to 85258 for free, confidential support via text, 24/7

• NHS 111 – if you’re feeling in crisis and unsure what to do, you can call for urgent help

This World Mental Health Day, let’s acknowledge the toll that relentless bad news and overwhelm can take. Let's pledge to make space for compassion, rest, and connection. By setting boundaries, taking care of ourselves, and reaching out for support when we need it, we give ourselves the resilience to keep going, and to continue caring about the world around us.