Does anyone else feel like the world is a bit of a bleak place today

[Confuddledalot]

At a loss really, with all the different challenges. Climate, economic shit as a backdrop to personal issues like bereavement, infertility and other serious health problems.

What the fuck is life even all about? I have quite a nice life in a lot of ways and enjoy quite a lot of the small detail, but the bigger picture can get overwhelming.

Does anyone else ever feel overwhelmed by, I dunno, all the things?

I have PMT so maybe I'll feel differently in a few days

Yeah. I get days like that.

I feel similarly, OP. Personally I feel I've been quite lucky so far, but the global stuff like climate breakdown and the economy tanking, plus it seems like so many people around me are dealing with bereavement, terminal illness, infertility, other traumas.

I can never quite judge what's doom and gloom to sell the papers, what's my hormones etc, and what really is objectively "things are pretty shit just now".

I can never quite judge what's doom and gloom to sell the papers, what's my hormones etc, and what really is objectively "things are pretty shit just now".

Yes exactly this!

Yep. Crappy weather. I'm bone tired. I've eaten crap all day that has made me feel vile. DH has really seriously pissed me off this week, and I'm still not back on both feet after losing my Dad earlier this year.

Bleak is exactly how I'm feeling today.

Yes me too.

I think I will need to avoid the news for a while as I can really spiral into helplessness.

I wonder if we just have too much access to news? It’s 24/7 and not good for us. Also the media focus very heavily on bad news, how much positive stuff do you see being reported? There are positive things happening in the world I’m sure - but maybe they aren’t considered as newsworthy?

But yes I totally get what you mean! Some days it’s all too much - and my dh is bloody annoying me too!

Things do feel crap at the moment - economy, climate, war in Europe. But there aren't many periods in history that didn't have their own challenges. I think just live the best, happiest life you can because there really is no point to it all, no more point than the life of a worm or a blade of grass. I find that liberating. Just enjoy it as best you can.

God This resonates. Also have PMT. Feel exhausted, depressed, at my absolute capacity limit

Same here OP.
I think it’s partly to do with the bleak raining weather. How can this be July?!

But there aren't many periods in history that didn't have their own challenges.

Yeah, I think we lucked out to be born in a period of relative stability and prosperity and modern science meaning medical breakthroughs, less infant and maternal mortality among other benefits.

Yes. Sometimes I think I'm sorry I won't live to see people living on Mars etc, but on the whole I'm glad I was born in the 50s.

It is shit, lots of it is shit, but most things we can’t change, at least in the short term. I think we need to be aware of the rubbish, but recognise the positive stuff too.

Yes agreed & I do worry for my children & what sort of life they will have. The economy is all over the place.

There are so many teens with anxiety & unable to cope. I think we have become too target driven & don't allow them to just be. Life is just so fast paced for many children due to both parents working flat out.

I can't see when it will be better. I think if we knew that in say 4 years the economy will stabilise & prices will be more normal for things like food then it would be less unsettling.

I have days like this (and having one today tbh).

I think the climate emergency is a very real and existential threat and that creates a sense of ominousness. I also think the UK at the moment is in a uniquely shit place: worst in my (50 year) lifetime and general confidence and sense of purpose in this country is so low at the moment, which makes it all seem worse.

The UK will get back on its feet eventually. The climate thing really is a serious problem and I think this is the new normal unfortunately.

But there are definitely days when I feel more sanguine about this than others.

I know what you mean, OP. I'm permanently depressed about climate change, and the war in Ukraine. The heatwave in Europe is terrifying.

Yes, but I suspect that every generation feels that way at some point.

I can totally relate to this. The picture is pretty bleak in terms of climate breakdown and ongoing consequences of the Pandemic and war in Ukraine. Brexit and Trussenomics have messed up the Uk in particular. I sometimes feel so scared and sad. Personal stuff going on too so life can feel like a trudge.

I try and limit news intake (but don’t want to withdraw totally as I want to be politically aware and active so am signed up to receive details of petitions and relevant policy so I can write to my MP when something big crops up - like the climate emergency and need for more robust and drastic action for example).

I try and look after myself and enjoy nature. Try and stay in the here and now.

Most importantly I try and do what I can;

https://www.imperial.ac.uk/stories/climate-action/amp-index.html