I'm struggling with a major case of "Can't look away. I might miss something!"

[butdiduvote]

This entire situation--both Trump's disastrous administration and the fact that I watched my dreams I had hyped up way too much die when HRC lost--is harming my mental health severely. I never should have allowed myself to get as emotionally invested in the election, but here I am. Following election coverage became such an obsession and hobby that I'm at a loss for what even to do with my free time now that Hillary is gone, and the only thing left to follow is the neverending train wreck. Following the election was hopeful and fun; following its aftermath is traumatizing. I know I should just check out of all of it...get obsessed with a book series or something instead...but I can't because I can't shake the feeling that I'm gonna miss some major development the moment I look away. I wish someone could give me some kind of timeline on when Trump really is going to go down...if it's a matter of weeks, it's worth remaining glued to the news for all of the latest developments. If it's years, I'd better disengage before I wind up in a hospital.

Just thinking out loud.

[Blue_Roses]

1. I can understand

especially the, "I can't look away," and I think part of it is because all of this is just so surreal. I feel like I'm living in a spy novel and no one told me.

But, take care of yourself, because like Senator Al Franken said, "this is a marathon."

[JI7]

2. you wont miss anything since it will still be there. but it really would do you good to spend time

on something else. i don't mean checking out completely . i mean you can and should still check each day.

but just maybe do something like spend a couple hours doing something else and promise yourself you will avoid checking the news during that time. and maybe add more time as time goes on.

[Earthican]

3. Same here

I had the same reaction to the election. The best cure is to try to take some time to actively protest. Before trump i had not marched since the second Iraq war buildup. I would donate money, read articles and vote. That is no longer enough.

This is a war now for the soul of our country, and our leadership and standing in the world. March, call, go to meetings, write to congressmen and newspapers. Never forget who lied and who won the popular vote. Do not forget what they will do if unchecked. We have seen a pretty good example already. Fight for your vote.

Since trump was 'elected' I hace been to two marches and two rallies. I plan to make this my second job. I have also cleaned up my Facebook friends, no work friends or acquaintences, that is for linked in. I will not hide my views and go along with whatever.

As for timeline, a return to normal could happen tomorrow, in a hundred years or never. So plan accordingly. ☺

[Rhiannon12866]

4. You're certainly not alone in feeling this way

I think all of us here are paying very close attention, listening to TV news and reading the latest news item more intently than ever before. If you look through the posts here, you'll run across those with similar feelings and it's been that way since November 8th. We've even heard that it's happened throughout the country. And I heard that reported on the news!

But DUers are the smartest folks on the internets, LOL, and after the latest revelations, the resignation of Flynn and the anticipated investigations, I think we're beginning to see a change. Look through the posts and you'll see more hope here than we've been seeing in recent weeks.

In the meantime, if you want a distraction, there are lots of groups here that aren't political. People post about hobbies and there are even support groups. Exploring DU is a great way to spend your time. That said, welcome to DU! We're glad to have you with us. You're certainly among like-minded friends...

[Mike Nelson]

5. This also explains...

...why the "media" backed Trump, despite their denials. They thrive on "can't turn away." The man is an attention clown and he will stay that way - we will have to learn how to budget our time with him.

[Bernardo de La Paz]

6. After tRump comes Pence unless Pence is purged pronto. . . . nt

[lillypaddle]

7. Me, too.

At first I thought I would totally disengage, but then all this shit started happening, and I find myself on the edge of my chair.

[GetRidOfThem]

8. Go on a cruise...

That will get your mind off of it for a while....

[nikibatts]

9. It will do us the most good if 45 goes down AND sizable portion of the GOP with him.

[get the red out]

11. I am right there with you!

My iPad has become a physical appendage and my back hurts from leaning over looking at it. My hobbie of dog agility can remove me for a while when I go to a competition, but I don't have another one planned until mid-March.

[barbtries]

12. you're not alone.

i requested and received an anti-anxiety drug from my doctor after the election; it's klonopin. I work but am forever clicking over to DU, FB and twitter and links within.
what has made me feel better is the need to resist and the strong belief that only the people can change this. I have been active, going to meetings, marching, DC in January, Raleigh last Saturday. I took part in 2 historically large marches in less than a month. I believe this activism is vital. I call my senators several times a week, sign petitions.
my DDW (Durham Democratic Women) has a letter writing campaign and i plan to get active with that.
but it's hard. it's really bad what is going on. don't go crazy, go after them!

ETA: and i have given myself permission to take one weekend a month and turn it all off (to the best of my ability).
i think it helps me that i don't have cable news. i watch on youtube and have several favorites. i watch Rachel, her coverage on putin and russia has been very good. Keith Olbermann is actually great.

RESIST.

[BumRushDaShow]

13. K&R

And unfortunately there are some of us who are inextricably tied to this current government whether due to employment in it or due to the receipt of benefits from it that we paid into.

IMHO at least DU is here to help filter and distill it down rather than having to be forced to drown in it alone when looking at traditional media.

[brer cat]

14. I understand.

I am exhausted from the stress and lack of sleep as well as the time spent following up on developments in this maladministration. Yet, like you, I find it impossible to not look in case I miss something significant. I am going out of town this weekend and will try very hard to avoid anything relating to trump for 4 days to see if I can rejuvenate.

I hope you find a way to stay informed but not insane!!

[AwakeAtLast]

15. I'm right there with ya!

I'm watching a lot more CNN and MSNBC lately.