Denise Harrison
Editor’s note: Writer’s answers do not reflect those of the Mitchell News-Journal and are not meant to replace medical or mental health care.
Dear Readers: One of the things I am hearing from clients, friends and family is everyone seems to be feeling overwhelmed with everyday life. Why wouldn’t we think this way? In addition to the daily stressors we all have, i.e., work, family, balancing finances, health issues, etc., we also are barraged with a regular influx of media messages.
Turn on the TV or open a web browser, and we are flooded with warnings about health concerns, politics and conflicts between countries, to name a few. No wonder we feel overwhelmed.
In today’s world, we are all victims of something called “Information Overload.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines this as “a situation in which you receive too much information at one time and cannot think about it clearly.” Back in our grandparent’s time, the world was just as busy and chaotic as it is today. Not every detail about everything happening, however, would always be immediately available to every person on the planet. People would find out eventually what was happening, but would not have it crammed down their throats daily.
Another root of the problem of too much information lies in the delivery of said “facts.” A great deal of the news we receive is not unbiased or entirely based in fact. The term “fake news” is becoming more and more relevant. It is hard to ascertain what to believe anymore. So, how does one protect oneself from this technological overload?
For one thing, try to disengage from toxic people. People who are always gloom-and-doom about the state of the world tend to be very contagious. Try to surround yourself with positive, fun beings.
Another thing to try is to limit your exposure. Of course, we need to be educated about what is going on, and we need to stay informed. Repetitive messages, however, serve no useful purpose other than to create anxiety and a panic mentality in people. So, turn on your TV news, or go on your online news source once a day. Spend the rest of your time living your life and being happy.
Last but not least, listen and read with an open mind. As I said, not everything that is broadcast or written is backed with empirical evidence. Be selective in what you believe, and consider the source. Relax folks. Breathe and enjoy life.
Dear Denise: There is this guy I dated one time, but I didn’t feel a connection, so I told him I didn’t want to see him again. He continues to pursue me. He is a nice guy, and I don’t want to hurt his feelings, so I try to be polite and comment on his Facebook posts and things like that. But, he can’t seem to get that I am not interested in him that way. What should I do?
Dear Reader: It sounds as if he may be misinterpreting your politeness as interest, so he is hopeful because of it. I am not suggesting you be rude or unkind to him, but I am suggesting you stop any unnecessary communication with him, such as commenting on social media. In all likelihood, he will get the message and back off. If you feel threatened in any way, or feel unsafe, it may be time to take legal action.
Hopefully, it will not come to that.
Denise Harrison is a Licensed Counselor in Spruce Pine. Email questions to questionsandlettersmn@gmail.com or call and leave a message at 828-467-0037. Submissions are anonymous.