How ACT Therapy Can Help with Anxiety About the World
It’s no secret that we’re living through a time of deep uncertainty. As a therapist specializing in treating anxiety I see it come up a lot in my practice. There is a lot of research to back this up. From ongoing climate change to political unrest, economic strain, and global conflicts, many people are struggling with anxiety about the state of the world. These worries can feel all-consuming—making it hard to focus, sleep, or feel any sense of calm. As a therapist in Santa Cruz, I often hear clients say things like:
“I can’t stop doom-scrolling.”
“I feel guilty for living my life when things are so bad out there.”
“Everything feels pointless—what’s the point of trying?”
If you’ve had similar thoughts, you’re not alone. And while these reactions are understandable, you don’t have to stay stuck in them. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) offers a powerful, evidence-based approach to help people move forward—even when the world feels overwhelming.
What Is ACT Therapy?
ACT (pronounced “act,” not A-C-T) stands for Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and it’s based on the idea that suffering is part of the human experience—but it doesn’t have to control our lives.
Rather than focusing on getting rid of difficult thoughts and emotions, ACT helps us make room for them, so we can act in alignment with our values. This shift in perspective can be especially helpful when dealing with global or existential anxiety—those big, heavy thoughts that don’t have easy answers.
How ACT Helps with Anxiety About the World
Here are some ways ACT therapy supports people in dealing with modern-day stressors:
1. Acceptance Over Avoidance
Trying not to think about the climate crisis or world news often backfires. ACT teaches that it’s okay to feel discomfort. When we stop fighting our feelings, we free up energy to engage more fully in our lives.
2. Present-Moment Awareness
Through mindfulness-based practices, ACT helps us stay grounded in the here and now. This is crucial when the mind spins into future-focused worry or “what if” thinking.
3. Values-Based Living
Even when the world feels out of control, we can choose how to respond. ACT helps you clarify what matters most—whether that’s kindness, family, creativity, or community—and then take steps that align with those values, no matter what’s happening around you.
4. Cognitive Defusion
Rather than getting entangled with anxious thoughts (“The world is doomed,” “Nothing I do matters”), ACT teaches skills to see those thoughts for what they are: just words, not facts. This creates space to act, rather than react.
You Can Still Live Meaningfully—Even in Uncertainty
You don’t need to wait for the world to settle down before you start healing or living more intentionally. ACT invites us to bring compassion to ourselves and our worries, and to ask: How do I want to show up today?
Whether you’re in Santa Cruz, Soquel, Aptos, or Scotts Valley, I offer evidence-based therapy to help you navigate anxiety with clarity and resilience. Together, we can explore how to stay grounded, take meaningful action, and reconnect with what truly matters to you—even in uncertain times. Call me at 510-761-607 or book a session here.
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