> I don’t use social media, but I consume news, blogs and newsletters - and comment threads - voraciously.

> It seems to have worsened in recent years. I’d like out, but the dealers are on every corner.

That's just anxiety from worsening politics, don't you think? Getting out of that anxiety may just be a matter of recognizing that just because bad stuff's happening in certain places that may eventually have repercussions in your own individual life, it doesn't mean that it's going to affect you that bad. It's like someone jumping in the pool. The waves will dissipate by the time they reach you. You can ignore them and just pay attention to the water in your personal space.