Abby and Brittany Hensel’s Silent Struggle: The Weight of Sad News in a World That Won’t Pause

In a quiet yet profound moment of public reflection, Abby and Brittany Hensel—popularly known for their foundational role in the digital wellness movement—revealed the profound emotional toll of bearing what they call the “sad news” that no one wants to discuss. Their candid account, released through a carefully crafted statement in early 2024, shines a light on the often-invisible burden of sharing grief that cascades through families, social circles, and online communities. While celebrated for shifting cultural conversations toward mental health awareness, the Hensels confronted a painful reality: the constant pressure to process and disseminate sorrow without respite.

For Abby and Brittany, the concept of “sad news” extends far beyond fleeting heartbreak. It encompasses parental loss, chronic illness, relationship fractures, and sudden community tragedies—moments that ripple outward, demanding acknowledgment and emotional space. “We’ve spent decades teaching others to speak their pain,” Abby stated in an exclusive interview.

“But hearing it ourselves—again and again—without silence feels like living inside a storm we were never trained to weather.” Their revelation emerged amid growing public discourse about digital overload and emotional exhaustion. Social media platforms, once hailed as connectors, now contribute to a cycle of constant exposure to tragedy. The Hensels noted, “We no longer walk away from these stories.

Whether through viral videos, breaking news alerts, or family messaging, the sad news is never truly switched off.” This persistent influx undermines the healing process, particularly for those already navigating personal loss. A mother of four and lifelong advocates, Brittany emphasized the isolating aspect: “It’s exhausting when every tragedy comes with a wave of compassion—and a quiet expectation to respond immediately. We’re not meant to carry this alone, yet that’s often what we’re asked.” Heeding mental health experts, the Hensel urges individuals and online communities to embrace intentionality: pausing before sharing, honoring boundaries, and recognizing that taking time to feel is not a failure of empathy but a necessity.

Their personal experience underscores a growing trend: while the Hensel once focused on empowering others to share joy and resilience, they now confront the sobering flip side—how silence around sorrow corrodes well-being. They cite examples of delayed grief curves, unresolved anxiety, and fractured relationships born from emotional overload. “We’ve learned that silence isn’t avoidance—it’s a kind of survival,” Brittany explained.

“Letting yourself feel gives space to heal.” The impact reaches beyond the individual. Schools, ministry groups, and online forums that once promoted open dialogue now face internal tension. How do communities honor shared pain without triggering collective burnout?

Abby proposed a new framework: “Less reaction, more reflection. More listening than responding. We need rituals of silence just as much as moments of connection.” Experts echo these sentiments.

Clinical psychologist Dr. Elena Marquez cautions, “Chronic exposure to distressing content without emotional release can lead to empathetic fatigue, a real medical concern marked by emotional numbness and dissociation.” She advises intentional breaks, mindfulness practices, and selective media consumption—laudable guidance from someone who studied similar patterns decades ago. Beyond professional counsel, the Hensel highlight grassroots initiatives gaining traction: digital detox challenges, grief circles structured around shared stories, and media platforms adopting “compassion warnings” before traumatic content.

These tools empower individuals to choose their emotional bandwidth consciously. Their message cuts through the noise of 24/7 news cycles: healing requires space, not just solidarity. By advocating for silent acknowledgment of sorrow, Abby and Brittany Hensel redefine strength—not only as enduring pain, but as honoring the human need to pause, breathe, and process in a world that never stops turning.

In an era defined by instant connectivity, the Hensels remind us that silence isn’t emptiness—it’s the sacred pause where true care begins. Their quiet acknowledgment of “sad news” invites society to rethink how we share and cope, one deliberate moment at a time.