Bad news

[hudgebar]

I'm writing this having been up since 4am. Are my kids awake? No. I just can't sleep because of a story on the news about orphanages in Romania. I can't close my eyes without thinking about those poor, damaged children. Every couple of weeks something like this upsets me and I feel overwhelmed and almost panicked by it. What do I do? Stop watching the news and reading papers and pretend bad things don't happen? Before I had children these things certainly made me sad, but not so overwhelmed. Is it just me?

I think these things make much more of an impact once you have your own children - I can't cope with that advertisement for the NSPCC that's always on. I think being more sensitive to things comes with the 'mother territory" I suppose the thing to consider is, is it stopping you getting on with your life? If it is, perhaps you are a bit depressed and it's time to think about getting some help. But it is normal, in my experience, to find awful things even more awful when our babies are little. It's as if we're more open to the suffering of others - and lack of sleep doesn't help either. Be gentle with yourself - try and have a restful day with some nice times in it and try for an early night. And you're not alone!

Thanks - I feel a lot better now, but also bad that I made this about my self more than those poor bloody children

I felt the same way about this story hudgebar. generally I do tend to avoid these stories (making sure I kae the small donation I can aford to the NSPCC each month and Unicef intermittently). As long as you're doing all you can. there's no sense in making yourself ill.

Was truly horrible though, poor mites- just wanted to grab them and run away (especially the toddler rocking in his cot and the babies, as theyc an be 'saved' still- that image of the little one taped into that blanket- !)

I can't watch things like this any more - not because I don't care, but because I care so deeply, but I can't do anything - other than, as Peachy says, a drop-in-the-ocean when I can afford it.

It really affects me too - gets me right in my soul.

I've just set up a standing order with the relief fund for Romania - all I can do really.

I actually don't wqatch the news for this reason, I connot bear the angst I feel for the people to whom bad things are happening, I have always been sensitive but definitely it has heightened since having children and especially whilst I'm pregnant.

hudgebar I know how you feel. That news report was heartbreaking and the frustration we feel at being unable to help is far more powerful when we have children of our own. I posted this link on the other thread on this subject. There is good work being done.

i gave up reading papers and watching the news.ive even given up reading magazines for the same reason,as mostof them seem to be full of awful things and as a mother i find myself imagining the suffering of the poor child/children in question.it certainly does affect u more when u have children of ur own,especially of a similar age.