Heaviness of the World These Days
The recent events within our world news and political systems can be challenging to understand and deal with the stress that affects us all whether we are present or not. Any type of stressful news in the media brings up the question of how to talk about these things within our family, with our children, and with one another. Connection is so important these days but worldly events can create unnecessary heaviness. The big question – how do we navigate these topics of conversation with one another?
Firstly, it’s important to be mindful of the wording you use when discussing big-world topics in the news. Children have a knack for knowing more than we think they do, so by being mindful we can convey that heavy topics can be discussed in safe environments. This mindfulness also helps create feelings of being heard and acknowledged for a young person, which can encourage question-asking and honesty about how they are feeling.
Secondly, stay calm, use words appropriate to the person’s ability to understand, and listen without judgement or criticism; all these factors can influence how our message is received while providing cues that can affect behaviours and feelings. Provide space for our loved ones to form their own opinions, encourage open conversations, and be as factual and genuine as you can be with your own answers.
Finally, try not to trivialize what is happening. We might think it’s reassuring for youth to others that everything will be okay or that there is no reason to be afraid, but in reality, there is a reason to be mindful. Traumatic events within the world cause hesitancy for adults too, and it’s okay to be honest about your feelings as well. This can be an opportunity to talk about what others find frightening, where they’re learning about things, or what they understand about global conflicts/politics and the effects within their world.
In a world needing reconnection, we can attempt to show up for others and our loved ones by providing an open, genuine, and respectful space.
Reach out to one of the excellent counsellors or psychologists at Center Street Psychology for in-person support in Calgary, or virtual mental health services in Alberta and Canada-wide.
Written by: Lindsay Mcnena and edited by Amy Antony
