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RandySF

(78,712 posts)
Fri Oct 24, 2025, 08:27 AM Yesterday

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.

79 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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I need a break (Original Post) RandySF Yesterday OP
Hang in there Randy! redwitch Yesterday #1
It can be too much, everyday is intense. Passages Yesterday #2
I hear that EarlG Yesterday #3
You deserve it! Thank you for all the work that you do. nt calikid Yesterday #4
All your posts are so appreciated. You deserve a break. Nittersing Yesterday #5
I'm getting close to that. The horrible daily news of the Orange buffoon is exhausting. Swede Yesterday #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 Yesterday #7
+1 leftstreet Yesterday #37
Remember, the first few days are not away. cachukis Yesterday #8
I understand. Be good to yourself, RandySF. blogslug Yesterday #9
We can't be on high alert all the time nuxvomica Yesterday #10
You've earned a rest, just be sure to come back. quaint Yesterday #11
Totally understand! We'll miss you while you are gone and hope you eventually return. nt lark Yesterday #12
I find spending time outdoors is healing. I'm sending you good vibes and support while you do whatever you need to MLAA Yesterday #13
Good idea Clouds Passing Yesterday #14
Take good care of yourself. With the daily deluge of horror and insanity, niyad Yesterday #15
That is understandable PatSeg Yesterday #16
I have to do that daily. mdbl Yesterday #17
Everyone needs R & R. surfered Yesterday #18
Come back positive. Polly Hennessey Yesterday #19
Take good care democrank Yesterday #20
We love you, RandySF. ❤️ littlemissmartypants Yesterday #21
Enjoy your break irisblue Yesterday #22
I get it I took a break from Tree Lady Yesterday #23
Take it easy Randy. I'll miss your posts. n/t livetohike Yesterday #24
You! Take care of yourself. ZDU Yesterday #25
Finding joy in these moments of despair is paramount to your mental well-being... EarthFirst Yesterday #26
I can relate. R&R like troops at war. bucolic_frolic Yesterday #27
I"m not sure who first said it, but regulating your nervous system is an act of resistance. TheRickles Yesterday #28
I was thinking, BidenRocks Yesterday #29
The whole country needs a break from Trump. sop Yesterday #30
I've been doing that. We have not watched any news from publicly traded corporate propaganda organs - PatrickforB Yesterday #31
That's about all that has been on my mind for a month rurallib Yesterday #32
Thank you so much for your work, will miss you. betsuni Yesterday #33
I get it Randy kimbutgar Yesterday #34
I am right there with you, RandySF Grim Chieftain Yesterday #35
Wishing you Serious Relaxation & Restoration! Come back when you're ready... electric_blue68 Yesterday #36
Bravo! Take good care of yourself, you are a very appreciated human being. fierywoman Yesterday #38
Me too. Yet here I am. My stay will be short. 1WorldHope Yesterday #39
I'll miss you. I hope for you needed relief and peaceful rest. Some fun, too. Solly Mack Yesterday #40
Absolutely. your health always comes first. Fla Dem Yesterday #41
Take care of yourself first. We will be waiting brer cat Yesterday #42
I've done the same several times - TBF Yesterday #43
I find myself Rebl2 Yesterday #44
We don't have Trump Derangement Syndrome. We have TFFS - Trump... 3catwoman3 Yesterday #45
I know exactly how you feel! CrispyQ Yesterday #46
Good for you and smart. Recharge and refresh. c-rational Yesterday #47
Yeah, I can relate. 70sEraVet Yesterday #48
I hear ya! Be The Light Yesterday #49
I understand angrychair Yesterday #50
I think I could be here 24/7 Zackzzzz Yesterday #51
Randy, I get it. Take care of yourself. I find myself watching a youtuber named Scrivener7 Yesterday #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 Yesterday #53
Yeah, sometimes it gets to be too much Quiet Em Yesterday #54
Take care of yourself Randy FemDemERA Yesterday #55
I hear you, Randy. sheshe2 Yesterday #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 Yesterday #57
I hear you Hekate Yesterday #58
I'm far more scarce myself. nolabear Yesterday #59
Excellent Prescription for youself, RandySF.. Cha 23 hrs ago #60
I hear you. n/t S/V Loner 23 hrs ago #61
Hugs RandySF. Thank you for taking care and being ok. You are a rock star. Always astonished at the scope of your mahina 21 hrs ago #62
Recharge, reset, return. LoisB 21 hrs ago #63
Wise move.. Permanut 21 hrs ago #64
Done the same multiple times cally 21 hrs ago #65
Love you back! Take care of yourself! biophile 20 hrs ago #66
Understand completely. Take care brother. ED Evolve Dammit 20 hrs ago #67
Do what you need to do... 2naSalit 20 hrs ago #68
We ALL need a break for about 18 years. BigmanPigman 18 hrs ago #69
Take all the time you need MustLoveBeagles 17 hrs ago #70
We'll miss you, but you MUST take care of yourself. That's Priority One. calimary 17 hrs ago #71
Take a break, switch the TV off, practise some self care. Aussie105 16 hrs ago #72
Hang in there, Randy. Take care of yourself and hope to Nixie 16 hrs ago #73
Take care of yourself catrose 14 hrs ago #74
I understand. Totally. Silver Gaia 13 hrs ago #75
I remember the line from the movie Avatar DFW 13 hrs ago #76
Thanks for all you do Randy FakeNoose 8 hrs ago #77
A wise move. I may do the same at some point. Vinca 8 hrs ago #78
Be well, Randy. LuckyCharms 8 hrs ago #79

Passages

(3,807 posts)
2. It can be too much, everyday is intense.
Fri Oct 24, 2025, 08:37 AM
Yesterday

Take good care of yourself, be well, then return.

EarlG

(23,217 posts)
3. I hear that
Fri Oct 24, 2025, 08:38 AM
Yesterday

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

(37,716 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
Yesterday

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

Bernardo de La Paz

(59,799 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
Yesterday

cachukis

(3,494 posts)
8. Remember, the first few days are not away.
Fri Oct 24, 2025, 09:00 AM
Yesterday

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

nuxvomica

(13,714 posts)
10. We can't be on high alert all the time
Fri Oct 24, 2025, 09:26 AM
Yesterday

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

lark

(25,590 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
Yesterday

MLAA

(19,571 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
Yesterday

do.

niyad

(128,059 posts)
15. Take good care of yourself. With the daily deluge of horror and insanity,
Fri Oct 24, 2025, 09:32 AM
Yesterday

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

(12,821 posts)
23. I get it I took a break from
Fri Oct 24, 2025, 09:44 AM
Yesterday

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.

ZDU

(826 posts)
25. You! Take care of yourself.
Fri Oct 24, 2025, 10:21 AM
Yesterday

Enjoy and treasure your time away. Do what's best for you!

EarthFirst

(3,878 posts)
26. Finding joy in these moments of despair is paramount to your mental well-being...
Fri Oct 24, 2025, 10:24 AM
Yesterday

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

Find your joy RandySF!

bucolic_frolic

(52,927 posts)
27. I can relate. R&R like troops at war.
Fri Oct 24, 2025, 10:24 AM
Yesterday

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

TheRickles

(3,011 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
Yesterday

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
Yesterday

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

(64,296 posts)
32. That's about all that has been on my mind for a month
Fri Oct 24, 2025, 10:43 AM
Yesterday

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

(26,311 posts)
34. I get it Randy
Fri Oct 24, 2025, 10:56 AM
Yesterday

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

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

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

(24,510 posts)
36. Wishing you Serious Relaxation & Restoration! Come back when you're ready...
Fri Oct 24, 2025, 10:58 AM
Yesterday

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

(27,226 posts)
41. Absolutely. your health always comes first.
Fri Oct 24, 2025, 11:06 AM
Yesterday

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

(17,121 posts)
44. I find myself
Fri Oct 24, 2025, 11:15 AM
Yesterday

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

3catwoman3

(27,995 posts)
45. We don't have Trump Derangement Syndrome. We have TFFS - Trump...
Fri Oct 24, 2025, 11:20 AM
Yesterday

…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

(40,355 posts)
46. I know exactly how you feel!
Fri Oct 24, 2025, 11:23 AM
Yesterday

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

(5,028 posts)
48. Yeah, I can relate.
Fri Oct 24, 2025, 11:30 AM
Yesterday

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

Zackzzzz

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

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

(57,522 posts)
52. Randy, I get it. Take care of yourself. I find myself watching a youtuber named
Fri Oct 24, 2025, 12:40 PM
Yesterday

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

(40,389 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
Yesterday

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

Quiet Em

(2,371 posts)
54. Yeah, sometimes it gets to be too much
Fri Oct 24, 2025, 12:42 PM
Yesterday

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

FemDemERA

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

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

tulipsandroses

(8,030 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
Yesterday

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

(43,835 posts)
59. I'm far more scarce myself.
Fri Oct 24, 2025, 02:58 PM
Yesterday

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

(315,242 posts)
60. Excellent Prescription for youself, RandySF..
Fri Oct 24, 2025, 04:31 PM
23 hrs ago

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

Thanks for telling us.. 💙 🌺

mahina

(20,109 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
21 hrs ago

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

cally

(21,804 posts)
65. Done the same multiple times
Fri Oct 24, 2025, 06:38 PM
21 hrs ago

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

BigmanPigman

(54,178 posts)
69. We ALL need a break for about 18 years.
Fri Oct 24, 2025, 09:30 PM
18 hrs ago

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

(88,231 posts)
71. We'll miss you, but you MUST take care of yourself. That's Priority One.
Fri Oct 24, 2025, 10:06 PM
17 hrs ago

And we love you, too!

Aussie105

(7,321 posts)
72. Take a break, switch the TV off, practise some self care.
Fri Oct 24, 2025, 11:19 PM
16 hrs ago

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

(17,882 posts)
73. Hang in there, Randy. Take care of yourself and hope to
Fri Oct 24, 2025, 11:27 PM
16 hrs ago

see you soon. You are very much appreciated ! 🥰

Silver Gaia

(5,162 posts)
75. I understand. Totally.
Sat Oct 25, 2025, 02:06 AM
13 hrs ago

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

DFW

(59,204 posts)
76. I remember the line from the movie Avatar
Sat Oct 25, 2025, 02:23 AM
13 hrs ago

“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

(39,130 posts)
77. Thanks for all you do Randy
Sat Oct 25, 2025, 07:33 AM
8 hrs ago

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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