Compassionate Love: Displaying Compassion for Those Who Struggle with Mental Illness   (c)2015 Nancy Virden

Long gone are the days of journalists reporting the news; now it is a competition for ratings. Negativity and fear feed ratings.

It’s enough to move the optimists among us into cynical defeatism. That is, if we listen to it. Avoiding the news is one efficient way to shield our minds from pessimism overload.

Our fear of future negatives can be based on repetition of flimsy and sad news reporting. Our anxiety grows when anchors make-up heroic stories to inflate their ego. Commentators smugly espouse their opinions as if they are the only people with minds.

It is difficult to know who is promoting life and hope when it seems everyone is speaking death.

We don’t have to listen to them.

It is an option, you know. Some people just ignore the news these days. Yes, it is important to know what is going on in the world so we can be involved and informed. However, we have plenty of access to important topics without settling for garbage.

This weekend, try giving up the news. There are positive situations all around us we can focus on instead. Look for them, be grateful, and feel better.

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NOTE: I am not a doctor or mental health professional. I speak only from personal experiences with and observations of mental illness. In no way is this website intended to substitute for professional mental health care.

If you are struggling emotionally today or feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Hope and help can be yours.