Navigating Trauma in the Digital Age: Experts Offer Strategies โคfor โขCoping with Overwhelming News
ALLENTOWN, PA – โThe โrelentless โฃstream โof โขdisturbing โฃimages and reports of violence circulating online is taking a toll on mental wellbeing, prompting local counselors to urge individualsโข and families to prioritize self-careโฃ and mindful engagement with โthe news.In โan era of constant connectivity, disconnecting can feel unachievable, but experts say it’s a crucial step in protecting emotional health.
“This week, like many recently, has been especially โchallenging,” explains jessica Lievendag, LPC and co-owner โof Summit Viewโ Counseling. “The news provides information, but the sheer volume of it can be paralyzing. People are struggling to process everything that’s happening.”
Lievendag emphasizes the importance of actively โคlimiting exposure. “Staying informed is valuable, but excessive consumption is triggering anxiety forโฃ many. It’sโฃ okay – and necessary โ- to take a break.”
The impact extends toโค children, who are increasingly exposedโฃ to unsettling events through social media and other channels. Monica johnson, a licensed Clinical Social Worker at West End โคCounselingโฃ &โ Wellness, advises parents toโ prioritizeโข open interaction.
“The โขfrist step is to listen,” Johnson stresses. “Ask your children what theyโ already know, avoiding assumptions. Find out whatโฃ questionsโ they have andโ validate their feelings. Let themโข know it’s normal to feel upset,scared,or confused,and share your own emotions to demonstrate that it’s okay to experience a range of feelings.”
Creating a sense of safety and security is paramount. Johnson recommends surrounding yourself with trusted individuals and incorporating calming practices into daily routines. “Trauma and violence, whether experienced directlyโข or witnessedโข remotely, erode our sense of trust and security. Lean on your support network, practice mindfulness techniques like meditation and deep โbreathing, โฃand maintain familiar activities -โ exercise, hobbies, and quality timeโฃ with lovedโฃ ones.”
Ultimately, โLievendag points to the power of agency. “We can’t control the events unfolding around us, but we can control our reactions.Finding healthyโฃ outlets for stress โขand actively managing โขour โฃexposure to triggering content are vital steps in navigating these arduousโ times.”
If you are struggling with anxiety or emotionalโ distress, please reach out for โขhelp. Resources are available:
* โ Summit View Counseling: [Insert Website/Contact Info if available]
* โค West End Counseling โฃ& Wellness: [Insert Website/Contact Info if available]
* National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): https://www.nami.org/
* โ Crisis Text Line: Textโ HOMEโข to 741741
SEO Considerations:
* โข Keywords: trauma, anxiety, news consumption, mental health, coping strategies, children and news, self-care, emotional wellbeing, digital age, violence, stress management.
* Meta Description: Feeling overwhelmed โฃby the news? Local counselors offer practical advice forโค managing โanxiety, supporting children, and prioritizing mental health in the face ofโค constantโฃ exposure to โขtraumatic events.
* Headline: โฃ Optimized โfor search and click-through rate, clearly conveying the article’s focus.
* โ Internal linking: (