Every year we celebrate World Mental Health Day on 10 October. The theme for 2025, set by the Mental Health Foundation, is 'access to services - mental health in catastrophes and emergencies'. The theme highlights the importance of people being able to protect their mental health in times of global instability.
World Mental Health Day is about raising awareness of mental health. It’s also a chance to talk about mental health, ours and others, how we need to look after it, and how important it is to get help if you are struggling.
Why the world feels so overwhelming
Sometimes, it can feel like the world is constantly in crisis. We’ve lived through a pandemic, a climate crisis and times of social injustice. Between these issues and global conflicts, economic instability and political unrest, bad news may seem like it's everywhere.
Plus, thanks to smartphones and social media, we have round-the-clock access to the latest news. Staying informed about what’s happening in the world can be a good thing. However, having 24/7 access to current events means there’s potentially no limit to how much we consume.
If you’ve found yourself doomscrolling late at night, feeling helpless or wondering whether you should stop reading the news for the sake of your mental wellbeing, you’re not alone.
Being continually exposed to the news can cause a sense of overwhelm, taking a toll on our mental wellbeing and leaving us feeling emotionally drained, anxious, helpless, guilty and scared. But the good news is that by looking after your mental wellbeing, you can manage this overwhelm.
Tips to manage overwhelm
When things feel ‘too much,’ it’s important to know how to protect your mental health. Below are some tips to help you cope with global news overwhelm and find your way back to balance.
Set boundaries with the news
Ask yourself how much news content you’re happy to take in, and how often. It’s okay to take a break from the news, and doing so can be beneficial. For example, you could consider checking the news only a couple of times a day, turning off news notifications on your phone or unfollowing social media accounts that bring you anxiety.
It can also be helpful to avoid checking the news right before bed – this is your time to unwind and relax for a good night's sleep.
Use grounding exercises
When global issues are too much to handle, grounding yourself in the here and now can ease your stress response. You could try practising mindfulness, using a grounding exercise, or going for a walk in nature to help bring you back to the present moment.
Have phone-free times
If you often find yourself doomscrolling, having set phone-free times or zones could help break this habit. For instance, you could try turning off notifications or switching your phone to aeroplane mode at certain times of the day. Or, try keeping certain areas phone-free zones, such as the bedroom or the dining table. Allow yourself some time that’s not going to be interrupted by the ‘ping’ of yet another notification.
Focus on what you can control and positive actions you can take
Although what’s happening in the world can seem very big, small actions still matter. Whether it’s signing a petition, volunteering with a local cause or donating items, taking positive action can help shift feelings out of helplessness and into purposefulness.
Give yourself permission to rest
Rest isn’t something you need to earn – it’s essential for wellbeing. Taking time to look after yourself doesn’t mean you’ve stopped caring about anything else; it means that you are looking after yourself so that you can keep on caring. Whether you read a book, take a nap, paint a picture or do some yoga, choose something that allows you to rest and recover.
Talk with others
When you feel overwhelmed, it can help to connect with other people. You could spend some quality time with loved ones, family or friends. You could also talk to someone about how you are feeling, for instance, by contacting:
- A helpline, such as Samaritans on 116 123 (UK)
- Mind’s online community: join Side by Side
- A text support line: text SHOUT to 85258 (UK)
Support at PCH
Our wellbeing officers are here to help, providing tailored health and wellbeing support, helping residents to access services, reduce social isolation and to work towards their health and wellbeing goals.
To speak to the Health and Housing Project team or to find out more about the support that they offer, email healthandhousing@pch.co.uk.
Wellbeing and Family Hubs are also a place to access support:
Throughout the city, Wellbeing Hubs offer friendly and welcoming spaces for socialising or obtaining advice on mental health, household finances or general information.
Wellbeing Hubs are situated in a number of areas near you, including the City Centre, Estover, Whitleigh, North Prospect, Mannamead and more. Find your nearest Wellbeing Hub.
Family Hubs offer a range of support services for families in Plymouth from pregnancy, through childhood, and up to age 19 (or 25 for those with special educational needs and disabilities).
Family Hubs are situated in a number of areas near you, including Efford, West Park, Stonehouse, Plympton and more. Find your nearest Family Hub.
Get Involved
Here at PCH, we offer a number of ways to get involved with your community, where you will get the chance to, learn new skills and meet new people and make new friends, all whilst improving things for you and your neighbourhood.
Click here to find out how to get involved with your community.
