KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Between the ongoing war between Israel and Palestine and the mass shootings in Maine, traumatic news has dominated headlines the past few weeks.
Experts say these events can have a big impact on your mental health even if they don't affect you directly. Looking at images and hearing of war and shootings can have a lasting impact on your mental health.
In fact, they say these events are naturally traumatic for people.
So if you find yourself feeling overwhelmed with everything going on right now, here are some things experts want you to keep in mind.
Check in with yourself and keep an eye out for signs of stress and anxiety. Experts also recommend refocusing your attention elsewhere and avoiding what they call doom-scrolling.
And finally, reach out for help if you feel like you need it.
"It's the hardest thing in the world to reach out and call someone to say, 'I need help.' But the bravest thing they can do is take a screening in the privacy of their own home, in, you know, on their phone, on their iPad, etc. And they get to get their answer for themselves," said Ben Harrington, the CEO of the Mental Health Association of East Tennessee.
After the March 2023 Covenant School shooting, one thing Harrington said is that it's okay for people to not be okay in the face of overwhelming grief and fear. He said anyone feeling anxiety about the shooting, who has trouble sleeping because of it, or who may be struggling to cope should reach out to speak with someone about it.
"If they do nothing, they're going to have a harder time coping with whatever it is that's struggling them, and we don't want any youngster to have to go down that route," he said.
The MHA can be reached at 865-584-9125, or through email at info@mhaet.com. People can also reach out to the McNabb Center at 800-255-9711.