Are You Drowning in the Chaos of Current Events? You’re Not Alone—But Here’s How to Find Your Footing Again.
Originally published: Mar. 03, 2026, 2:00 p.m.
By Lizzy Acker | The Oregonian/OregonLive
Dear readers,
Exactly one year ago, I shared a column that resonated deeply with many of you. (https://www.oregonlive.com/advice/2025/04/why-tho-with-everything-becoming-an-anxious-spiraling-nightmare-how-do-i-carry-on.html) Today, it feels more relevant than ever, so I’m bringing it back into the spotlight.
Dear Lizzy,
How do I stay productive and engaged in society when the actions of our government—and the state of the world—feel utterly overwhelming? I’m weighed down by a thousand worries, and it’s like current events are constantly pulling me into a vortex of anxiety. I can’t seem to stay grounded in the present.
Scared and Worried
Dear Scared and Worried,
Let me start with this: You are not alone. Just last week, two separate people confided in me that they’d struggled to answer those standard depression screening questions—you know, the ones about feeling hopeless—without fearing they’d be flagged for immediate intervention. And this is the part most people miss: We’re all navigating a storm of chaos—politically, environmentally, emotionally, financially. It’s not just you.
Here’s the thing: Our world has always been chaotic. Think about it. From ancient humans surviving in caves to generations enduring wars, plagues, and natural disasters, turmoil isn’t new. But here’s where it gets controversial: While it’s easy to feel like things are extra bad right now—and they certainly feel that way—history shows us that there’s never been a time when everything was unequivocally great. Not one.
So, how did people keep going? How did they find hope? Probably by leaning on each other. Building communities, creating beauty, making music, sharing meals—these are the threads that have held humanity together through the darkest times. And here’s the kicker: Those same threads are available to us today.
When the weight of the world feels crushing, focus on what you can control. You can’t single-handedly fix a Supreme Court decision or cool the Pacific Ocean, but you can plant flowers in your garden or on your windowsill. You can join a protest, volunteer at a local school, or pick up litter in your neighborhood. You can call a friend, bake cookies, or learn to play a song on the guitar (YouTube is your friend!). These small acts might not change the world, but they will change your world.
And this is the part most people miss: Your life is finite. You get to decide how much of it you spend feeling miserable. Yes, the world is messy—it always has been. But you have the power to find meaning in the midst of it. Lean into your spiritual practices, connect with others, and create moments of joy where you can.
Now, here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Is it possible that our perception of chaos is amplified by the 24/7 news cycle and social media, or are things genuinely worse than ever? Let me know your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear how you’re navigating these turbulent times.
Good luck, and remember: You’re stronger than you think.
Lizzy
Got a question that’s keeping you up at night? Email me at lacker@oregonian.com. Or, if you prefer to stay anonymous, use this Google form: (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScrCBLX7Dtaae7VjcLClB2PaReYBXCDxZpUx-ay498s7cVXhw/viewform).
Read more from Why Tho?
- Why Tho? Is my friend sensationalizing a story about me just for laughs? (https://www.oregonlive.com/advice/2026/02/why-tho-is-my-friend-sensationalizing-a-story-about-me-just-for-laughs.html)
- Why Tho? When ‘I want to take you out for a meal’ doesn’t mean what you think it means (https://www.oregonlive.com/advice/2026/02/why-tho-when-i-want-to-take-you-out-for-a-meal-doesnt-mean-what-you-think-it-means.html)
- Why Tho? Women clap back on advice to stay out of cheating man’s relationship (https://www.oregonlive.com/advice/2026/02/why-tho-women-clap-back-on-advice-to-stay-out-of-cheating-mans-relationship.html)
About Lizzy Acker: Lizzy is a reporter on the Innovation Team and the author of the advice column, "Why Tho?" She tackles everything from ice cream to extreme weather to car-less travel. She’s been with The Oregonian/OregonLive...
