I think you’ve identified some areas that are causing this. Intense vocally negative people, really traumatizing and disheartening world events. Watching the world change for what we see as for the worse IS depressing.

I’ve felt this about climate change, and tried medication and education and being informed. None worked like taking action. Going to restoration events, taking part in community events and making small changes to my environment. When you find small ways to take action, you can relieve the feeling of helplessness and then your surroundings yourself with positive change. Whatever your cause is, whatever makes you sick and want to turn away, find a cause that combats it and take action.

Not a sure fire thing, but it’s a start.