The world is in distress and it all feels so hopeless?

Everything in the world is such a disaster. Global warming, the oceans that's are completely polluted from garbage, Canada going in to Syria to start a bombing mission, natural resources, droughts, GMOs, ISIS, religion wars, rape culture, oppression, corruption...
I feel like everyone's just gone crazy and people are judgemental,negative, scared, and there's not a lot of compassion for fellow humans or creatures (for the most part.)
I'm at such a loss for what to do about any of this. Obviously I'm only one person, but I get so anxious and stressed out about the state of the world, and the fact that no matter how much good, not much seems to change it.
I have my causes, of course. I try and do my part and make small changes as best I can (volunteer, spread kindness, vegan, give when I can, spread the word/stay informed, create as little garage as possible, and I work with/rehabilitate injured wildlife.) but those are very small things and in the grand scheme of things don't change how things are going.
I'm worried there's going to be a third world war or just...awful awful things are coming.
Is there anything someone can tell me that will make me feel better or some things I can do to help the state of the world? I'm not sure what I'm looking for here but I just want this to stop stressing me out and worrying me so much, because that really doesn't help either.

On A Journey2015-04-02T15:24:21Z

It can be overwhelming, but it's important to remember that the things you are doing DO make a difference in the grand scheme of things. I think it's Margaret Meade who said something like, "Never doubt that a small group of people can make a difference - indeed it's the only thing that ever has." And remind yourself that the world will always have its share of problems, but that in the midst of all the negativity, there is good work being done (including what you're doing!). Surround yourself with positive things and try not to all yourself to focus on the negativity because it WILL drag you down. I've been in social work for 15 years, so I've seen my fair share of terrible things. I need to remind myself that however I view the world is what my world will be. So if I only see child abusers, violent offenders, etc. it doesn't allow me to see all the healing, progress and beauty that's around me.

Anonymous2015-03-25T13:22:08Z

Well if you became a politician then that would be the obvious way in which to fix the world, although since you are filled with anxieties we shall assume you aren't going to do that. Regardless, we need someone to create change, because the people of the world are not going to all do their little bit, that is why there needs to be a major rehash of society as a whole. Try to do your bit, but really as an individual there is not a significant amount you can do, so there is no need to worry about something you are not in control of.