Finding Steady Ground During DevastatingTimes!
September 16, 2025
by Morayma MaKay
Writer / Blogger & Content Creator
Adulthood Rewired
Biography: Morayma Makay is a fashion model, mother, and writer. She has
dedicated the last 20 years to working in the fashion and health fields as
both a researcher and content creator.
“It’s your wellness.”
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These days, it feels like every time we turn on the TV or glance at our phones, there’s another heartbreaking and devastating headline. Natural disasters, violence, global conflicts…the constant stream of difficult news can feel overwhelming. It’s only natural to feel anger, fear, or helplessness in response, and if you’re struggling to process it all, chances are your loved ones, especially older children who spend time online, are too. So how do we cope with the weight of devastating news while staying grounded and supportive?
Allow Yourself to Feel
The first step is acknowledging your emotions instead of pushing them away. Sadness, grief, or anxiety are all normal human responses,and you need to give yourself permission to feel them without judgment. Journaling, talking with a trusted friend, or even sitting quietly with your thoughts can help you move through those feelings instead of bottling them up. Remember: it’s okay not to be okay for a little while.
Be Mindful of Media Intake
Staying informed is important, but constant exposure to distressing stories can magnify stress and anxiety. Consider setting limits on when and how often you check the news and social media platforms. Creating intentional “news-free” spaces in your day like during meals or before bed can give your nervous system a chance to rest and reset.
Lean on Your Support System
Connection and community are key to helping ease the weight of difficult news and can help you process what you are feeling. Reach out to friends, family, or community groups and talk openly about how you’re feeling. Sometimes just allowing yourself to be vulnerable and speak openly about your feelings can bring relief and open the door for meaningful support. You never know who else might be feeling the same way and will be able to find comfort in your words. If the emotions feel too overwhelming, it might also help to connect with a counselor or therapist who can provide tools for coping.
Helping Older Kids Navigate Tough News
For parents, one of the biggest challenges is supporting older children who are exposed to the same headlines we are, often without the life experience to put them in context. A few ways to help include asking your child what they’ve seen or heard, and let them share their feelings without interruption, offer perspective and help them separate fact from fear, validate their emotions, and model coping strategies by showing them how you process heavy emotions in a healthy way.
Turning Concern into Action
Sometimes the best antidote to despair is action. If the news leaves you feeling helpless, look for ways to contribute positively, whether it’s donating to relief efforts, volunteering, or supporting local organizations. Even small acts of kindness can create a sense of agency and remind you that you can still make a difference. Encourage your children to get involved too, because channeling concern into compassion helps transform fear into purpose.
Remember, that while we can’t control the headlines or the state of the world, processing devastating news means honoring our emotions, protecting our mental space, and leaning on our loved ones for support. For older kids, it means creating safe conversations and modeling resilience…and for ourselves, it means finding small, steadying practices that keep us grounded in the midst of uncertainty and holding on to hope.
