Caitlin Moran, the British author and columnist known for her candid and humorous writing, has reflected on her experience with midlife challenges and anxiety in her latest book, *How To Be Hopeful*. The work chronicles a year she spent confronting despair amid personal and societal difficulties, including the pressures of menopause, eco-anxiety, and a prevailing sense of global crisis.

In 2019, Moran reached a low point, feeling overwhelmed by continuous negative news, environmental degradation, and online hostility. Contemplating a radical change, she considered relocating to a dilapidated farmhouse in Wales to live a quieter life and connect with nature. However, the cost proved prohibitive, prompting her to seek hope within her immediate surroundings in North London, where she resides with her husband, music journalist Pete Paphides, and their two daughters, aged 25 and 22.

Moran attributes this period of upheaval to what she terms a “midlife crisis” coinciding with a “mid-civilisation crisis,” reflecting widespread public despair. She said people had initially expected conditions to “go back to normal,” but acknowledged that after a decade of turmoil, such an expectation was unrealistic. Addressing the intergenerational impact, she expressed concern about projecting negativity onto younger generations, stating that her own daughters have inherited anxiety tendencies, linked in part to attitudes passed down from previous generations.

In an effort to regain a sense of control and positivity, Moran adopted several practical strategies. She engaged in litter-picking around her neighborhood, finding satisfaction as the environment improved. She began giving blood, deriving comfort from the knowledge that she was contributing positively to others. Additionally, Moran transformed her garden to foster local wildlife, describing it as a “win” amid broader environmental concerns.

Limiting exposure to news and social media also played a key role in her journey toward hopefulness. Moran advocates for critical engagement with digital platforms, noting that many, including her own children, have moved away from social media toward simpler, more focused technology devices. Reflecting on her longstanding struggles with anxiety, which began in adolescence, she credited prescribed beta blockers and lifestyle changes—such as quitting smoking with the help of mindful breathing techniques—for helping to manage her symptoms.

Moran emphasizes that her renewed outlook does not require monumental change but rather a shift in mindset toward recognizing positive developments, such as advances in medicine and technology. She acknowledges that while the global situation remains challenging, it is not the direst period to live through. Through *How To Be Hopeful*, Moran encourages readers to focus on actionable, localized steps and to consciously choose thoughts that foster resilience and optimism.

The book is priced at £22 and is available now.