11/06/2026
Recent events in the news and on social media have left many people feeling worried, angry, upset, or frightened.
If you’re finding yourself affected by what you’re seeing, please know that this is a very human response. Our brains are wired to pay attention to threat, conflict, and danger. Constant exposure to stories of hatred, violence, and division can leave us feeling unsafe, hopeless, or overwhelmed.
But it is important to remember that the most extreme voices are often the loudest voices.
Every day, there are countless examples of kindness, compassion, and people helping one another that never make the headlines.
As a psychologist, I believe we can have difficult conversations without hatred. We can hold different views without dehumanising one another. We can acknowledge fear, frustration, or uncertainty without directing harm towards others.
For anyone feeling distressed by what they are seeing, especially young people, I encourage you to look for the helpers. Look for the people building bridges rather than walls. Look for the communities standing together. Look for the acts of kindness that remind us of our shared humanity.
Protecting your mental wellbeing doesn’t mean ignoring what’s happening. It means staying informed while remaining connected to your values. It means choosing where to place your attention and energy, and refusing to let fear, hatred, or division define your view of humanity.
At the end of the day, every one of us wants to feel safe, valued, and accepted.
I stand in solidarity with the many people across the UK and beyond who continue to choose compassion, inclusion, respect, and understanding. The actions of a minority should not make us lose faith in the goodness that still exists all around us.
Scotland