A World News Survival Guide For Big Feelers

Does your chest tighten every time you open your phone lately? Do you feel like the world is on fire and you’re somehow supposed to just keep going to work, answer emails, and “stay informed”? In this episode of 'But Are You Happy?', host Ashani Dante and clinical psychologist Dr. Anastasia Hronis unpack what it actually means to live in the age of information overload. From clickbait headlines and doom-scrolling at 11pm, they explore how constant exposure to bad news impacts our nervous systems and why so many of us are feeling helpless, hopeless, or just emotionally exhausted. You'll also learn: - The psychological difference between helplessness and hopelessness - Why your brain is wired to latch onto threatening news - How chronic exposure to bad headlines activates your stress response - Practical ways to buffer yourself without becoming disengaged Resources Mentioned: - Doing Good Better, by William MacAskill - Medibank Family Roast Card Game Remember while Dr. Anastasia Hronis is a psychologist - this podcast isn’t a diagnostic tool, and the advice and ideas presented here should always take into account your personal medical history. If you or someone you know needs support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. Both services are available 24/7 for free, confidential mental health support. Timestamps 0:00 — Why the world feels so heavy right now 1:05 — Dialectics: How two opposite truths can both be true 2:35 — The "It’s Always Both" mindset (Avoiding denial) 3:36 — Agency vs. Acceptance: What you can actually control 4:54 — Grassroots action: Changing your "local backyard" 6:05 — Doing Good Better: Finding what actually makes an impact 7:22 — Why gratitude works (Even if you’re a skeptic) 7:54 — 4 Steps to take when you’re feeling overwhelmed