How to Talk to a Therapist About War, Violence, and the News
In today’s hyperconnected world, it’s nearly impossible to escape the stream of distressing news—from wars and natural disasters to political unrest and mass violence. While staying informed is important, constant exposure to traumatic headlines can take a serious toll on your mental health. Many people experience stress, triggers, anger, anxiety, or even depression in response to what they see and hear in the media.
If you've been feeling overwhelmed by current events, you're not alone. And if you're unsure how to talk to a therapist about these emotions, this post is here to help.
Why the News Can Feel So Personal
Even if you’re not directly impacted by war or violence, you may still find yourself deeply affected. This is especially true if:
You have lived through trauma or violence in the past
You have loved ones in harm’s way
You belong to a marginalized group being targeted
You’ve experienced racial, political, or cultural trauma
In these cases, the news can feel like it’s happening to you, not just around you. A skilled therapist trained in trauma therapy can help you unpack those emotional layers.
What to Say to Your Therapist
It’s okay if you don’t know where to start. You don’t need to have the perfect words. Try beginning with something like:
“I’ve been feeling so anxious lately when I read the news.”
“I can’t stop thinking about what’s happening overseas.”
“The violence I keep seeing online is making me feel angry and helpless.”
“I feel guilty for living my life while others are suffering.”
Your therapist can help you process those feelings and begin to understand the connections between what you’re feeling and past experiences, identity, or stressors.
When the News Re-Activates Old Wounds
Sometimes, the news doesn’t just cause anxiety—it reactivates older pain. It may remind you of personal traumas, make you feel unsafe in your own body, or spark a level of depression that’s hard to shake.
This is where anxiety therapy, depression therapy, and trauma therapy can be especially helpful. Working with a therapist allows you to slow down, process your reactions in a supportive space, and develop tools to manage the intensity of what you're feeling.
Give Yourself Permission to Step Back
It’s not avoidance to limit your news intake—it’s care. Setting boundaries around social media, turning off breaking news alerts, or skipping graphic content doesn’t mean you’re uninformed. It means you’re protecting your mental health.
Processing the world’s pain doesn’t have to happen all at once—or alone.
You Don’t Have to Carry It Alone
If you're interested in exploring the anger, sadness, and fear you are feeling in response to war, violence, or the state of the world, feel free to contact us. Our team offers compassionate trauma-informed care through anxiety therapy, depression therapy, and trauma therapy. You deserve a space to talk about what’s weighing on your heart.
