Skip to Content

How to cope with constant crisis events in the news

If the news is getting you down, you're not alone. Here are some tips to help you cope.

Home > Blog > Young voices > How to cope with constant crisis events in the news

Overwhelmed by the news? You’re not the only one. Wars, disasters, and crises are just a swipe away.

The theme of World Mental Health Day 2025 is around mental health access for people in catastrophes and emergencies, as well as the mental health impact of constantly being exposed to news coverage of disaster events. 

In this insightful and honest piece, Alex, 22, explains why young people in particular feel the pressure to “keep up” with every devastating story and why it’s okay to step back and set boundaries.

Author: Alex Appleby | Date: 9th October 2025

The weight of knowing everything

Sometimes, it feels like the world never stops throwing bad news at us.

Wars. Natural disasters. Cost-of-living struggles. Climate change

You open your phone in the morning and there it is, headline after headline, video after video. And before you’ve even had breakfast, your mind’s already racing. 

There’s this growing sense that the world is on fire, and we’re watching through a screen, unable to do anything about it. It can make you feel helpless, anxious, or even numb.  

You often don’t even realise how tense you are until you catch yourself doomscrolling late at night with that tight feeling in your chest. 

Many young people describe feeling: 

  • Overwhelmed by the sheer volume of bad news 
  • Anxious about the future 
  • Pressured to “keep up” with every story 
  • Numb or disconnected because it’s just too much* 

And honestly? Those feelings make sense. We’re carrying information our brains weren’t designed to handle 24/7. 

 

Why young people are hit hard

 For a lot of us, crises aren’t just stories on the news. They shape the world we’re inheriting — our futures, our safety, our environment.  

 Seeing these events unfold over and over again can build up a quiet sense of fear and instability. 

 There’s also a sense of responsibility. Social media tells us to “stay informed,” and that’s important. But it can feel like if you don’t constantly check, you’re somehow not doing enough.  

 That’s a heavy burden for anyone, let alone young people who are still figuring their place in the world. 

It’s okay to step back

Here’s something we don’t hear enough: It’s okay to set boundaries with the news.

Taking a break doesn’t make you selfish or ignorant. It means you’re protecting your mental health so you can keep caring in a sustainable way. 

Here are some things that can help: 

  • Limit how often you check the news. Maybe once or twice a day instead of constantly scrolling. 
  • Avoid endless scrolling before bed. Give your brain space to rest. 
  • Talk to someone you trust. Saying “I’m feeling overwhelmed” is powerful. 
  • Focus on what you can control. Small acts of kindness, getting involved locally, supporting causes you believe in — they all count. 

 

You’re not alone

This World Mental Health Day, remember that if the world feels overwhelming sometimes, you’re not weak — you’re human 

Caring deeply can be heavy, but you don’t have to carry it alone. 

If you’re struggling, reaching out to someone — a friend, a teacher, a helpline — is a sign of strength, not failure. Your mental health matters just as much as the issues happening in the world. 

Do you need help?

If you’re struggling with your mental health, there’s plenty of support out there. 

YoungMinds Textline – Text YM to 85258 for free, 24/7 support from a trained volunteer. 

  • Samaritans – Call 116 123 for free, any time, or visit samaritans.org for online chat and resources. 
  • Childline (for under 19s) – Call 0800 1111 or chat online at childline.org.uk. 
  • The Mix – Support for under 25s via themix.org.uk, phone 0808 808 4994, or text THEMIX to 85258. 

If you ever feel like you might harm yourself or you’re in immediate danger, call 999 or go to A&E. 

Latest stories

Over £130,000 raised in three major fundraising events

Rail industry professionals from across the UK have raised more than £130,000 for Railway Children through three recent fundraising events.

Date: 09/10/2025

UK government announces crackdown on ‘honour’-based violence

The UK government is implementing new measures to crack down on ‘honour’-based abuse.

Date: 02/9/2025

Safeguarding on rail: National multi-station awareness day unites agencies

We collaborated with rail partners for a powerful Day of Action to raise awareness of safeguarding issues along the West Coast Main Line.

Date: 01/8/2025

How to cope with constant crisis events in the news

If the news is getting you down, you’re not alone. Here are some tips to help you cope.

Date: 09/10/2025

Unlocking potential

As September rolls around, many are getting ready for a new school year – new books, new friends, and the excitement of learning and working toward their dreams. But for a lot of children, that’s not a reality. 

Date: 28/8/2025

Millie’s story: Coming out and being fully me

Millie, 20, shares the story of how she came out, and offers advice to anyone who might be going through a similar experience.

Date: 21/7/2025
Close

Image collage showing young people in the UK, India and Tanzania

Join us

Sign up to receive email updates about our work protecting children around the world, and how you can help to change lives.

You can unsubscribe at anytime.

Sign up

Translate »