Today’s episode is a solo talk as we get ready for vacation. We’ll be gone for a few weeks, then return with the second half of Season 3. This conversation is focused on the panic, fear, and emotional heaviness that so many people are carrying right now—especially those who are neurodivergent, highly empathetic, or deeply tuned into justice and suffering in the world.

For a lot of us, the pain feels inescapable. Whether it’s because of our neurodivergence, race, gender, sexuality, religion, or just being human, many people are feeling overwhelmed and helpless. There’s a shared exhaustion—a quiet suffering happening beneath the surface for folks who carry big hearts and feel deeply.

When the World Is Too Much

My clients are feeling it. I’m feeling it. You’re probably feeling it too. The non-stop exposure to global tragedies, violence, war, and oppression through social media is emotionally flooding people. Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube—these platforms keep delivering trauma through our feeds. The more we see, the worse we feel.

The Spiral of Anxiety and OCD

Many neurodivergent folks already deal with obsessive thinking and high anxiety. Add in the doomscrolling and constant bad news, and it becomes a perfect storm. For some, it leads to panic attacks, hopelessness, and even thoughts of giving up.

Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream. Malcolm X spoke of a nightmare. For many, that nightmare feels more real than ever.

What Can We Actually Control?

I remind my clients often: we cannot fix everything. But we can focus on what we can control. Maybe you can’t save the world—but you can change the world around you. That might mean logging off for a while. Connecting with your people. Donating. Sharing a post. Having hard conversations. Supporting your community in quiet but meaningful ways.

One of my favorite quotes from the Netflix show Mo is, “Resistance is existence.” I also want to remind you: it’s okay to feel joy. It’s okay to rest. You’re allowed to be happy.

At a recent talk I gave at Purdue, a young girl came up to me crying. She said, “I feel so bad about the world, but hearing you say it’s okay to be happy made me feel so much better.” That stuck with me. A lot of us—especially BIPOC and those from working-class or immigrant backgrounds—carry survivor’s guilt. We wonder why we get to be safe or successful while others suffer. It’s heavy.

Let’s Reflect Together

This is where I really want to hear from you.

How are you managing the trauma you see online?

How are you dealing with fear and anxiety about the future?

How do you cope with the guilt of feeling like you’re not doing enough?

These aren’t rhetorical questions. I don’t have all the answers. I want us to support each other in this space. Let’s talk. Let’s build something. Let’s create community.

Thanks for checking out Different Spectrums! 🎙️ We're a podcast led by licensed therapists and neurodivergent individuals who explore emotions in movies and shows. Our mission is to normalize mental health challenges and promote understanding.

Join your founders and hosts, Dr. Nazeer Zerka and Spencer Srnec, as we process some key scenes to help you better understand your emotions and maybe even find some validation in them.

Episode Breakdown:

0:00 Attention

0:59 Intro

7:39 Discussion

We’d love to hear your ideas for future episodes and connect with you on social media. You can find all our links here: https://linktr.ee/different_spectrums

⚠️ Reminder: Our podcast isn’t a substitute for therapy. If you need help, please seek professional assistance or call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or 911 in case of an emergency.