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RandySF

(79,047 posts)
Fri Oct 24, 2025, 08:27 AM Oct 24

I need a break

It’s not you, it’s me. I love all of you even when we disagree but the news around at home and abroad is taking a toll on my mental health. I’m going to a break from all news, find something stupid to do and re-center myself.

80 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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I need a break (Original Post) RandySF Oct 24 OP
Hang in there Randy! redwitch Oct 24 #1
It can be too much, everyday is intense. Passages Oct 24 #2
I hear that EarlG Oct 24 #3
You deserve it! Thank you for all the work that you do. nt calikid Oct 24 #4
All your posts are so appreciated. You deserve a break. Nittersing Oct 24 #5
I'm getting close to that. The horrible daily news of the Orange buffoon is exhausting. Swede Oct 24 #6
Take care. You've earned it! You have no obligation here, but please know that your many posts here are appreciated. .nt Bernardo de La Paz Oct 24 #7
+1 leftstreet Oct 24 #37
Remember, the first few days are not away. cachukis Oct 24 #8
I understand. Be good to yourself, RandySF. blogslug Oct 24 #9
We can't be on high alert all the time nuxvomica Oct 24 #10
You've earned a rest, just be sure to come back. quaint Oct 24 #11
Totally understand! We'll miss you while you are gone and hope you eventually return. nt lark Oct 24 #12
I find spending time outdoors is healing. I'm sending you good vibes and support while you do whatever you need to MLAA Oct 24 #13
Good idea Clouds Passing Oct 24 #14
Take good care of yourself. With the daily deluge of horror and insanity, niyad Oct 24 #15
That is understandable PatSeg Oct 24 #16
I have to do that daily. mdbl Oct 24 #17
Everyone needs R & R. surfered Oct 24 #18
Come back positive. Polly Hennessey Oct 24 #19
Take good care democrank Oct 24 #20
We love you, RandySF. ❤️ littlemissmartypants Oct 24 #21
Enjoy your break irisblue Oct 24 #22
I get it I took a break from Tree Lady Oct 24 #23
Take it easy Randy. I'll miss your posts. n/t livetohike Oct 24 #24
You! Take care of yourself. ZDU Oct 24 #25
Finding joy in these moments of despair is paramount to your mental well-being... EarthFirst Oct 24 #26
I can relate. R&R like troops at war. bucolic_frolic Oct 24 #27
I"m not sure who first said it, but regulating your nervous system is an act of resistance. TheRickles Oct 24 #28
I was thinking, BidenRocks Oct 24 #29
The whole country needs a break from Trump. sop Oct 24 #30
I've been doing that. We have not watched any news from publicly traded corporate propaganda organs - PatrickforB Oct 24 #31
That's about all that has been on my mind for a month rurallib Oct 24 #32
Thank you so much for your work, will miss you. betsuni Oct 24 #33
I get it Randy kimbutgar Oct 24 #34
I am right there with you, RandySF Grim Chieftain Oct 24 #35
Wishing you Serious Relaxation & Restoration! Come back when you're ready... electric_blue68 Oct 24 #36
Bravo! Take good care of yourself, you are a very appreciated human being. fierywoman Oct 24 #38
Me too. Yet here I am. My stay will be short. 1WorldHope Oct 24 #39
I'll miss you. I hope for you needed relief and peaceful rest. Some fun, too. Solly Mack Oct 24 #40
Absolutely. your health always comes first. Fla Dem Oct 24 #41
Take care of yourself first. We will be waiting brer cat Oct 24 #42
I've done the same several times - TBF Oct 24 #43
I find myself Rebl2 Oct 24 #44
We don't have Trump Derangement Syndrome. We have TFFS - Trump... 3catwoman3 Oct 24 #45
I know exactly how you feel! CrispyQ Oct 24 #46
Good for you and smart. Recharge and refresh. c-rational Oct 24 #47
Yeah, I can relate. 70sEraVet Oct 24 #48
I hear ya! Be The Light Oct 24 #49
I understand angrychair Oct 24 #50
I think I could be here 24/7 Zackzzzz Oct 24 #51
Randy, I get it. Take care of yourself. I find myself watching a youtuber named Scrivener7 Oct 24 #52
Few DUers deserve a break more. I've enjoyed your thorough coverage of even obscure and out-of-the-way elections ! eppur_se_muova Oct 24 #53
Yeah, sometimes it gets to be too much Quiet Em Oct 24 #54
Take care of yourself Randy FemDemERA Oct 24 #55
I hear you, Randy. sheshe2 Oct 24 #56
Breaks are good. I've cut back on my consumption and I don't log in to DU as much as I used to. It is necessary tulipsandroses Oct 24 #57
I hear you Hekate Oct 24 #58
I'm far more scarce myself. nolabear Oct 24 #59
Excellent Prescription for youself, RandySF.. Cha Oct 24 #60
I hear you. n/t S/V Loner Oct 24 #61
Hugs RandySF. Thank you for taking care and being ok. You are a rock star. Always astonished at the scope of your mahina Oct 24 #62
Recharge, reset, return. LoisB Oct 24 #63
Wise move.. Permanut Oct 24 #64
Done the same multiple times cally Oct 24 #65
Love you back! Take care of yourself! biophile Oct 24 #66
Understand completely. Take care brother. ED Evolve Dammit Oct 24 #67
Do what you need to do... 2naSalit Oct 24 #68
We ALL need a break for about 18 years. BigmanPigman Oct 24 #69
Take all the time you need MustLoveBeagles Oct 24 #70
We'll miss you, but you MUST take care of yourself. That's Priority One. calimary Oct 24 #71
Take a break, switch the TV off, practise some self care. Aussie105 Oct 24 #72
Hang in there, Randy. Take care of yourself and hope to Nixie Oct 24 #73
Take care of yourself catrose Saturday #74
I understand. Totally. Silver Gaia Saturday #75
I remember the line from the movie Avatar DFW Saturday #76
Thanks for all you do Randy FakeNoose Saturday #77
A wise move. I may do the same at some point. Vinca Saturday #78
Be well, Randy. LuckyCharms Saturday #79
Enjoy your break Randy! Emile Sunday #80

EarlG

(23,226 posts)
3. I hear that
Fri Oct 24, 2025, 08:38 AM
Oct 24

The onslaught of bad news can be tough to deal with, and I always recommend that people take breaks if they’re feeling burned out.

I hope you are able to find your way back before too long — your informative posts on elections around the country are always very welcome.

Swede

(37,779 posts)
6. I'm getting close to that. The horrible daily news of the Orange buffoon is exhausting.
Fri Oct 24, 2025, 08:41 AM
Oct 24

So enjoy your break. Lots of sports on tv, good books to read, etc etc. But do come back.

Bernardo de La Paz

(59,936 posts)
7. Take care. You've earned it! You have no obligation here, but please know that your many posts here are appreciated. .nt
Fri Oct 24, 2025, 08:57 AM
Oct 24

cachukis

(3,521 posts)
8. Remember, the first few days are not away.
Fri Oct 24, 2025, 09:00 AM
Oct 24

Habits need replacement. Build or plant something. Bake bread or take to the loom.
Rest.

nuxvomica

(13,729 posts)
10. We can't be on high alert all the time
Fri Oct 24, 2025, 09:26 AM
Oct 24

Even when the times might demand it. Some escape and recharging is necessary. Good for you!

lark

(25,622 posts)
12. Totally understand! We'll miss you while you are gone and hope you eventually return. nt
Fri Oct 24, 2025, 09:27 AM
Oct 24

MLAA

(19,579 posts)
13. I find spending time outdoors is healing. I'm sending you good vibes and support while you do whatever you need to
Fri Oct 24, 2025, 09:27 AM
Oct 24

do.

niyad

(128,154 posts)
15. Take good care of yourself. With the daily deluge of horror and insanity,
Fri Oct 24, 2025, 09:32 AM
Oct 24

breaks for self-care are absolutely essential. Be kind and gentle with yourself, and we will be here when you are ready to return to the fray.

Tree Lady

(12,855 posts)
23. I get it I took a break from
Fri Oct 24, 2025, 09:44 AM
Oct 24

Day he won in November until end of Jan. And take mini breaks now.

It feels very overwhelming but at least with the no kings days we are not alone.

EarthFirst

(3,882 posts)
26. Finding joy in these moments of despair is paramount to your mental well-being...
Fri Oct 24, 2025, 10:24 AM
Oct 24

I encourage everyone to find that joy and not allow the despair to consume them.

Find your joy RandySF!

bucolic_frolic

(53,021 posts)
27. I can relate. R&R like troops at war.
Fri Oct 24, 2025, 10:24 AM
Oct 24

I too am trying to scale back. Lost my edge. You take care and kick back as needed.

TheRickles

(3,030 posts)
28. I"m not sure who first said it, but regulating your nervous system is an act of resistance.
Fri Oct 24, 2025, 10:27 AM
Oct 24

Onward!

PatrickforB

(15,279 posts)
31. I've been doing that. We have not watched any news from publicly traded corporate propaganda organs -
Fri Oct 24, 2025, 10:42 AM
Oct 24

NBC, CBS, ABC, CNN, or Fox. Not that Fox was ever news.

It seems entire swaths of people around the world have been so ruined by corporate corruption, divisive wedges driven by Wall Street financiers and the raw lust for wealth and power of the few billionaires that they can no longer tell the difference between truth and lies.

Always cui bono.

rurallib

(64,332 posts)
32. That's about all that has been on my mind for a month
Fri Oct 24, 2025, 10:43 AM
Oct 24

so I really understand what you mean.

I haven't taken a break yet because it just engulfs us all.
Hope you can truly get away.

Thanks so much for the posts on women's basketball.
You may want to watch some college women's volleyball - it is exciting also.

kimbutgar

(26,365 posts)
34. I get it Randy
Fri Oct 24, 2025, 10:56 AM
Oct 24

I was getting scared about the ICE coming to SF and was relieved they weren’t invading our city. But I’m starting to feel the same way about taking a break!

Grim Chieftain

(815 posts)
35. I am right there with you, RandySF
Fri Oct 24, 2025, 10:57 AM
Oct 24

The news is almost too much to deal with. My husband and I have always been news junkies. but it's all we can do to make it through the evening news.

I have started to check out Garrison Keillor's videos and podcasts on YouTube. It really helps to listen to his sweet, folksy tales of Lake Woebegone.

Please take care. DU will be here when you're ready to come back.

electric_blue68

(24,650 posts)
36. Wishing you Serious Relaxation & Restoration! Come back when you're ready...
Fri Oct 24, 2025, 10:58 AM
Oct 24

some time in April I realized I was getting too physically stressed out, and I started taking breaks.
It definitely helped.

Good luck!

Fla Dem

(27,252 posts)
41. Absolutely. your health always comes first.
Fri Oct 24, 2025, 11:06 AM
Oct 24

I actually follow very little news. I have a couple of sources, but even then, not every day. DU is my point of contact. If something posted piques my interest, I may follow up by watching MSNBC. But otherwise not much else.

Rebl2

(17,148 posts)
44. I find myself
Fri Oct 24, 2025, 11:15 AM
Oct 24

visiting DU less and watching less national news. I do watch my local news regularly.

3catwoman3

(28,033 posts)
45. We don't have Trump Derangement Syndrome. We have TFFS - Trump...
Fri Oct 24, 2025, 11:20 AM
Oct 24

…Fucking Fatigue Syndrome. TFFS.

Its been 3783 days since he rode down that damned elevator in 2015, and he’s been in the news for one thing or another, never for anything good, every damned day since.

CrispyQ

(40,392 posts)
46. I know exactly how you feel!
Fri Oct 24, 2025, 11:23 AM
Oct 24

It's overwhelming & it's every fucking day. Never a day off from the drama & chaos. It's draining & exhausting. I just want him dead.

I'm not here nearly as much as I used to be. I have a list of movies I've never seen, some from Mark's movie reviews so I've been watching them, & my house is cleaner. Maybe this page will inspire you to find something stupid to do. https://democraticunderground.com/?com=forums

Hang tough!

70sEraVet

(5,059 posts)
48. Yeah, I can relate.
Fri Oct 24, 2025, 11:30 AM
Oct 24

This is a good time of year to spend more time outside.
Even better with grandchildren!

Zackzzzz

(184 posts)
51. I think I could be here 24/7
Fri Oct 24, 2025, 12:08 PM
Oct 24

Here there are so many insights, and many, very deep.
I have laughed and felt my brothers and sisters' pain.
But lately, I limit my input from out there.
I have turned to PT, Walking, Music, and Records.
I have to get up out of my comfy place to change records.
I have found I love the Bossa Nova beat.
It makes me want to dance around the house.
It gives me Joy.
See you.......

Scrivener7

(57,605 posts)
52. Randy, I get it. Take care of yourself. I find myself watching a youtuber named
Fri Oct 24, 2025, 12:40 PM
Oct 24

Stephen J. Reid who does camping adventures in the British Isles and they all go wrong in very funny ways and he has a great sense of humor about himself. And the videos are beautiful, and you learn a little.

I am absolutely not inclined toward camping in any way, but I recommend it as an escape.

You do what you need to do. We still love you.

eppur_se_muova

(40,448 posts)
53. Few DUers deserve a break more. I've enjoyed your thorough coverage of even obscure and out-of-the-way elections !
Fri Oct 24, 2025, 12:40 PM
Oct 24

Thanks for all your hard work keeping us informed, and enjoy whatever it is you do to unwind !

Quiet Em

(2,414 posts)
54. Yeah, sometimes it gets to be too much
Fri Oct 24, 2025, 12:42 PM
Oct 24

I take breaks from the news all the time in this era of the con artist and all his awfulness.

FemDemERA

(637 posts)
55. Take care of yourself Randy
Fri Oct 24, 2025, 12:47 PM
Oct 24

Everyone needs a little downtime now and again. Hope you are feeling up to joining in again soon! I appreciate your posts.

tulipsandroses

(8,039 posts)
57. Breaks are good. I've cut back on my consumption and I don't log in to DU as much as I used to. It is necessary
Fri Oct 24, 2025, 01:36 PM
Oct 24

Renew an old hobby, find a new one. Explore your city. Find free local events. Volunteer - nothing that would be too heavy right now. Children's Hospital here is always looking for volunteers- one of my favorite volunteer activities. Not all mommies and daddies can be there all day with sick kids. The nurses appreciate the volunteers that help. Good luck trying to give medicine to a scared anxious child. The volunteers play a huge role by reading stories, pushing the kids around in those little wagons.
Take care!

nolabear

(43,836 posts)
59. I'm far more scarce myself.
Fri Oct 24, 2025, 02:58 PM
Oct 24

I just can’t do it. I keep up with the news but it’s going to destroy my mental health if I don’t stay on the surface.

Cha

(315,377 posts)
60. Excellent Prescription for youself, RandySF..
Fri Oct 24, 2025, 04:31 PM
Oct 24

We'll miss you, of course, but our health is our Important issue!

Thanks for telling us.. 💙 🌺

mahina

(20,113 posts)
62. Hugs RandySF. Thank you for taking care and being ok. You are a rock star. Always astonished at the scope of your
Fri Oct 24, 2025, 06:04 PM
Oct 24

information, and accuracy, and the kindness in your sharing. Breathing with you!

cally

(21,805 posts)
65. Done the same multiple times
Fri Oct 24, 2025, 06:38 PM
Oct 24

It helps to restore mental health and balance. Take care of yourself

BigmanPigman

(54,238 posts)
69. We ALL need a break for about 18 years.
Fri Oct 24, 2025, 09:30 PM
Oct 24

I wish I as an ignorant moron since ignorance is bliss.

I am very far from "bliss".

tRump is wearing us down on purpose....it's part of his agenda.

If we are worn and tired we won't resist him with passion.

It certainly is effecting me mentally, physically and emotionally.

I'm going to put a binding spell on him tonight (Pagan stuff). I did that every month for 4 years (only missing 3). I can't wait for the next waning crescent moon, this is a emergency spell!

https://medium.com/defiant/use-this-spell-to-bind-trump-and-his-cronies-a5b6298f5c69

calimary

(88,324 posts)
71. We'll miss you, but you MUST take care of yourself. That's Priority One.
Fri Oct 24, 2025, 10:06 PM
Oct 24

And we love you, too!

Aussie105

(7,336 posts)
72. Take a break, switch the TV off, practise some self care.
Fri Oct 24, 2025, 11:19 PM
Oct 24

I'm feeling it too, half way around the globe.

Gone off the Colbert show.

It was funny to start with, poking fun at Trump and his Deplorables, but the situation is no laughing matter anymore.

On DU less, too stressful at the best of times.

Nixie

(17,885 posts)
73. Hang in there, Randy. Take care of yourself and hope to
Fri Oct 24, 2025, 11:27 PM
Oct 24

see you soon. You are very much appreciated ! 🥰

Silver Gaia

(5,169 posts)
75. I understand. Totally.
Sat Oct 25, 2025, 02:06 AM
Saturday

I do this from time to time myself. Rest and regroup. Take care of yourself.

DFW

(59,251 posts)
76. I remember the line from the movie Avatar
Sat Oct 25, 2025, 02:23 AM
Saturday

“If there’s a hell, you might want to go there for some R&R.”

My solution is to live and work in Europe, although I fell into it. I didn’t really consciously choose it. More like it chose me. The weather is unpleasant, the bureaucracy is infuriating, uncaring, inefficient and unfair. Oh, and nothing is free here. The ones who claim otherwise are lying. Things are financed differently from the way they are in the states. Consumers of some certain services are not necessarily the same ones who get the bill, but it is all paid for.

Oh, and I still work for a living. At 73, it’s not quite as much fun getting up at 4:00 AM to get the 6:whatever flight down to Zürich, but my Swiss employee got a bad case of Covid, and someone had to step in for him. He’s still a mess, and I have to run down there again this weekend. My wife’s mom is a mess (she’s 98, and lives far away), and I don’t even remember when the last time was that we had a weekend together.

We all watch the news and see the US government doing its level best to destroy the place. But 85 years ago, things weren’t so wonderful here, either. Many take the long view.

Most people who work here get six weeks paid vacation. As director for Europe for a very liberal Texas company, I take what I want. As long as the work gets done, the head office is happy, and they are the same guys I was working for when I signed up, and that was fifty years ago this year. We were less than 20 people then. We are over a thousand now. Like I said: liberal. Adapt. Treat your people well. They’ll work hard and adapt, too.

What I mean by all this is just reminding you that the point comes for EVERYBODY where they have to step back from things. So just do it. Feel good about it. You know as well as anyone that the whole stinking mess will be here when you return, whether that’s tomorrow or in half a year.

FakeNoose

(39,213 posts)
77. Thanks for all you do Randy
Sat Oct 25, 2025, 07:33 AM
Saturday

It's good to take a break now and then. My usual solution is to get lost in a good book. But you do you!

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