Brutal day: How to focus on the things I can control?

How much further will the US sink into " I don't care what happens to others?" Oh- they brought this on themselves etc? I have ptsd. My heart is breaking....Sorry for the rant but what I see happening is brutal. I just need to cry and grieve.

I feel the same. My heart seems to break a bit more each day.

@kb2014
We can focus on what we can control, our own health (mental/physical/spiritual), finances, bills, home, etc. Being a kind person. Helping a neighbor. Volunteering for the less fortunate. Limit media consumption (much is propaganda and not based on facts/truth and not good for mental health).

The world, not just the US, seems to be dealing with many issues, chaos, divisions, etc. The best we can do is to contribute positively, be law abiding and not add to the chaos and violence that seems to be widespread in large cities.

My faith and hope keeps me grounded. Counseling can also help you cope.

Note: some comments were removed according to guideline 6 of the Community Guidelines https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/about-connect/tab/community-guidelines/

@kb2014, sorry to hear that you had such a brutal day that really tried your patience. I agree with @dlydailyhope. When we feel helpless, it can help to focus on the things we can control (big or small).

It might help to understand the concepts of the circle of control and the circle of influence.

- The circle of control encompasses the things we have direct power over, such as our actions, decisions and responses.
- The circle of influence includes the matters that we can affect indirectly through our actions and words, like our relationships and workplace environment.

Of course, there are many aspects of our lives that fall outside these two circles. These areas may deserve our attention and concern for periods of time - like getting banking done. But then it's time to focus efforts on the things within our control and influence. This can encourage feelings of being in control, effective and proactive, rather than feeling overwhelmed and defeated.

I know that is easier said than done. One step at a time. We're here to listen when moments like you had today push you to the edge. Was it helpful just to write it down?

100%
Limit media consumption (much is propaganda and not based on facts/truth and not good for mental health).

These sources prey on the disgruntled masses. If you must engage use critical thinking skills and give yourself breaks to protect your sanity from ‘noise’

Thank you. I am doing all these things. I am also contacting the senators and congressman and women in my state asking them to intervene in social security medicare medicaid snap etc. My small community's only clinic closed and the other start up clinic cannot get medicaid certification. I don't have medicaid I saw this coming so I already have a new primary care provider in another town.

Thank you Colleen. You are right. I am familiar with the concepts of what we cannot control the circle of influence coercion etc. I do see real issues not all is propaganda. I do limit my media consumption.

What is/has happened to medicaid is criminal. I am so sorry that your community is suffering along with all of the other people/families who depend on medicaid for their health needs. I am glad that you were able to find help in the face of this.