So much evil in the world - I can’t handle it!

[BeautifulBlue]

I’m pregnant with my second & am crying daily about something I see/hear/read. I am not usually a ‘crier’ but anything I see now is etched into my brain & I replay it over & over leaving me in tears. I have deactivated Facebook (not a bad thing) because I see most of it there. I just wish everyone in the world was capable of empathy & compassion & there weren’t so many completely evil people doing disgusting things! I feel guilty sitting in my cosy lounge at night knowing someone/thing is out there suffering & not being helped. I’m in an almost constant state of anxiety about it. I often look at children I see out & about now & wonder if they’re ok & how they are treated behind closed doors! I’m only just second trimester & honestly don’t know how I’m going to get through this pregnancy being terrified & suspicious of the world & everyone in it. Is this normal? Hormones? I’m aware the majority of people are good but at the moment all I can see is the bad & it’s breaking my heart.

I feel this too and I'm not pregnant. I see things or read things and it replays in my mind a million times😩😩

I too sympathise, and I have never been pregnant and never will be. We do live in a world where awful things happen, and it's frightening and upsetting; there are no easy answers . Have you spoken to your GP about how you feel?

Oh OP. I understand you.

I have middle of the night wakings. I lay there and it’s all doom and gloom. I imagine the worst fates for my children.. It’s torture, and I hate my mind during these moments.

I also know that’s all it is, my mind. I try to balance it out with good thoughts.

It’s definitely hormones and being on the cusp of a further life change. SM deactivation is always a good thing..

No further advice other than I understand you. I have two children and worry about them day and bloody night.

But I also try and look at how well it’s all going, and block out the ugly. News nowadays rarely wants us to hear about anything joyous.

I like to think about all the people who have been heroic/kind and compassionate as an antidote. I understand what you mean though and I think being pregnant does heighten your emotions.

Maybe the hormones and the vulnerability of pregnancy are enhancing your empathy. It's a good thing that you are such a caring and thoughtful person, but you need to find a way to compartmentalise, even a little. The world is often an awful place, but don't feel guilty for what you have, you aren't superwoman, you can't solve the world's ills.

Probably a good idea to talk to your midwife or gp. Hope you can feel a little less overwhelmed

I think this sometimes too - and remember it’s skewed as the media are more likely to report on tragedy and pain - sells more than ‘everything is ok!’.

This Mr Rogers quote always makes me feel better as it’s very true:

"When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping. To this day, especially in times of disaster, I remember my mother’s words, and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers -- so many caring people in this world”.

People are inherently good - there are countless people out there doing great things and fighting the evil.

It might be worth seeking out ‘good news’ sites, there are corners of the web dedicated to just the nice news and it is a nice relief!!

If the way you are feeling is seriously affecting you, Op, you need to speak to your GP about it.
There has always been horrible things happening in the world, all through time, from natural disease and disasters to wanton wickedness, but despite this, the world has gone on and many if not most, human beings are good people, who try their best to live in a civilised manner.
Do not feel guilty for looking for the good things in life to raise your spirits. Do what you reasonably can be be a decent person and raise your children to be the same.

Remember that when you do one thing, just one small thing that is positive, like giving just one small thing to someone else - a 50p coin or a smile or a hug - you instantly make the world a better place.

It is a set of scales with all the deeds of 7 billion people. Good deeds on one side. Bad deeds on the other side.

By constantly doing good things each day you instantly tip the scales in your direction.

I love that @sparklesocks

"When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping. To this day, especially in times of disaster, I remember my mother’s words, and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers -- so many caring people in this world”.

It really did make me feel better

Thanks everyone for taking the time to reply & offer your support/advice more good eggs... see? They’re every where

This happened to me just after i had DD1 in the 90's. It was the Jamie Bulger case which set it off or me and at first i thought i would go mad with the sudden weight of all the horror. It's always there under the surface i find. I have to avoid the details in certain news stories.

I agree that when you feel overwhelmed it helps to try to think of the good somehow counterbalancing the evil.