Events happening in the news can affect our mental wellbeing. This page from Mind explores these feelings and the impact they might be having on you and your employees, and offers tips on how to cope.
Toolkit
Coping with news anxiety
There’s a lot going on in the world right now and it can feel frightening. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed. We’ve faced lots of challenges over the last couple of years. With the climate change news, the cost of living crisis, war abroad and political change at home, it’s tricky to keep on top of it all without feeling anxious.
The truth is, many of these things are outside of our control. This lack of control can lead to an overwhelming sense of anxiety; of not knowing what to expect and when.
So, if you’re finding it hard to stop worrying about the uncertainties that surround us right now, what can you do? And how can you support each other at work?
Here are some of our best resources for helping you through the issues we’re facing in today’s news stories.
Resources in this toolkit:
Quick
It feels as though there is a lot of uncertainty to deal with at the moment. This article from Stylist has helpful tips on focusing on what you can control and what you have power over - including your own responses to situations and events.
Resources
Top tips on coping with news anxiety
Sometimes, it can feel difficult to 'switch off' from distressing news stories. This article from Medical News Today offers advice on coping when the bad news is affecting your mood or wellbeing.
Resources
People managers’ guide to mental health
For employees to stay well and in work, it's vital for them to be able to talk to managers about stress and mental health. This guide has practical advice, information and templates to support managers and employers to facilitate this.
Quick
Resources
How can I help myself?
Sometimes, little changes in your behaviour, thoughts, lifestyle or focus can make a big difference to your wellbeing. These pages from Mind have a range of suggestions.
The past few years has seen a rise in racism, and we know there's a link between experiencing racism and your mental wellbeing. This article explores ways in which you can start conversations about it in your workplace, and begin to plan solutions.
Resources
Supporting someone who is LGBTIQ+
LGBTQI+ people have been the target of many negative news stories. This guide can help you to check in on your LGBTQI+ staff, and offer them the support and advice they might need right now.
Quick
This help page from the Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma explores some things you can do if you, a colleague, or one of your reports is the target of a hate campaign. It was written for journalists, but can help anyone who works on social media.
