The Psychological Toll of Living Through Historic Events (Over and Over Again)
If you’ve ever joked, “I’d love to live through a little less history,” you’re not alone. Over the past few years, it has felt like one global crisis, political upheaval, or social catastrophe after another.
Pandemics and health crises
Political instability and threats to democracy
Economic collapses and inflation spikes
Mass shootings and violent conflicts
Climate disasters and environmental concerns
It’s not just one event—it’s a never-ending cycle of history unfolding in real time. The result? Chronic stress, anxiety, emotional exhaustion, and burnout.
If you feel like your nervous system is constantly in survival mode, it’s not just in your head. Let’s explore the psychological impact of repeated exposure to historic events and how to protect your mental health while still staying informed.
Why Constant Crisis Feels So Draining
1. Your Brain Wasn’t Built for This Much Uncertainty
Humans are wired to seek stability and predictability—it helps us feel safe. But when world events are in constant flux, your brain struggles to process so much uncertainty.
You’re always waiting for “the next big thing” to go wrong.
It feels impossible to plan for the future.
You experience decision fatigue from weighing constant risks.
This creates chronic stress, making it harder to feel grounded or hopeful.
2. The 24/7 News Cycle Keeps You Stuck in Stress Mode
With social media, breaking news alerts, and algorithm-driven content, it’s easy to stay plugged into global crises at all times.
📢 News outlets profit from fear-based engagement.
📱 Social media amplifies outrage, panic, and worst-case scenarios.
🔁 Doomscrolling keeps your nervous system on high alert.
While staying informed is important, nonstop exposure to crisis updates tricks your brain into thinking you’re in immediate danger—every single day.
3. Repeated Trauma Creates Emotional Numbness
When you live through multiple historic events back-to-back, your nervous system can become overloaded. You may notice:
✔️ Feeling desensitized to bad news ("Oh, another disaster? Figures.")
✔️ Feeling emotionally exhausted and unable to react
✔️ Struggling with a sense of helplessness (“Nothing I do matters.”)
This is a natural trauma response—your brain is trying to protect you from constant distress.
4. Your Nervous System Is Constantly Overstimulated
Living through repeated crisis after crisis keeps your nervous system stuck in a fight-flight-freeze response.
⚡ Fight → Constant anger, frustration, and feeling on edge
🏃 Flight → Avoidance, shutting down, or detaching from reality
🧊 Freeze → Feeling paralyzed, emotionally numb, or disconnected
If you’ve noticed yourself feeling tense, reactive, or unable to fully relax, your nervous system may be stuck in overdrive.
How to Protect Your Mental Health in the Age of Constant Crisis
1. Set Healthy Boundaries with the News
It’s possible to stay informed without feeling overwhelmed. Try:
✅ Limiting daily news exposure (e.g., 30 minutes in the morning, 30 in the evening)
✅ Muting notifications to avoid constant alerts
✅ Choosing reliable sources instead of clickbait-driven content
✅ Taking intentional news breaks when you feel overloaded
Being aware of world events doesn’t mean you need to consume crisis updates 24/7.
2. Regulate Your Nervous System to Avoid Burnout
If you feel like you’re always on edge, use nervous system regulation techniques to reset.
🧘 Deep breathing exercises (inhale for 4, exhale for 6)
🎶 The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) for nervous system balance
🌿 Grounding techniques (walk barefoot, hold a textured object, engage your senses)
🚶 Movement (walking, stretching, or shaking off tension)
When your body feels safe, your mind can process stress more effectively.
3. Focus on What’s Within Your Control
When global events feel overwhelming, bring your focus back to:
✔️ What small actions can I take? (Voting, advocating, volunteering)
✔️ How can I show up for my community? (Supporting local efforts)
✔️ What daily habits support my well-being? (Sleep, nutrition, movement)
Anxiety thrives on uncertainty—grounding yourself in what you can control helps restore balance.
4. Make Space for Joy Without Guilt
Just because the world is struggling doesn’t mean you have to deny yourself happiness.
💙 Engage in hobbies and creativity.
💙 Spend time with loved ones.
💙 Laugh, play, and experience moments of peace.
You are allowed to find joy—even in difficult times.
5. Find a Healthy Balance Between Engagement and Rest
You don’t have to be fully immersed in the world’s problems or completely checked out—there is a middle ground.
Engage in activism in a sustainable way (not from a place of burnout).
Connect with hopeful, action-oriented communities that inspire change.
Give yourself permission to rest, recharge, and step back when needed.
Caring about the world doesn’t mean sacrificing your mental health.
You Are Not Alone in This
Living through constant historic events is exhausting. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, tired, or uncertain about the future. But you are not powerless.
By setting boundaries with the news, regulating your nervous system, and focusing on small, meaningful actions, you can protect your mental health while still engaging in the world.
If the weight of the world feels too heavy, therapy can help you:
Build resilience in times of uncertainty.
Develop healthy coping strategies for chronic stress.
Find a sense of hope and purpose without burnout.
The world is hard—but you don’t have to carry it all alone.
To find out more about my services, click here: Anxiety Therapy
