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Inundated by a ceaseless flow of alarming headlines, political issues, and global crises can be tiring. However, many of us can’t seem to turn away. If you relate to this, know that you’re not alone. A significant portion of the population (83% of adults) today feels anxious about the future of the U.S. and overwhelmed by news. If you’re feeling the weight of modern constant information, this guide will help you identify your doomscrolling patterns and safeguard your mental health.
What Is Doomscrolling?
Do you often find yourself mindlessly scrolling through troubling news headlines and posts, even when you’re feeling drained? Many of us have made doomscrolling a daily habit, but it’s detrimental to our collective mental health. Doomscrolling is characterized by the relentless consumption of disturbing news, as negative stories activate the brain’s impulse to stay alert to dangers, even at the expense of our well-being.
Even if you recognize that you may have developed a negative doomscrolling habit, there are ways to identify and counteract this behavior and manage news-related anxiety. With persistent political and cultural unrest both locally and globally, prioritizing your mental health is increasingly vital.
The Mental Health Impact of News Overload
While our inclination to gather more news is instinctual, an unrestrained approach can be unhealthy. The consequences of doomscrolling on mental wellness are becoming more evident with each passing year. An American Psychiatric Association study revealed that in 2024, 43% of adults reported feeling more anxious than in the previous two years.
After a bout of doomscrolling, you may not only feel anxious but also notice various negative outcomes. Here are a few ways that continuously engaging with distressing news can affect your physical and mental state:
- Sleep Disruption: Scrolling through upsetting news at night can keep you from getting restful sleep, affecting your mood and brain function the following day.
- Deteriorating Social Bonds: Constantly engaging with alarming news can drain your mental energy, leaving you less able to connect with friends and family.
- Reduced Physical Activity: Spending hours glued to your screen may keep you from getting the physical activity and sunlight your body needs, which can adversely affect your mood.
Staying updated on current events is undeniably vital, and engaging with meaningful discussions on social media can provide benefits. However, finding the balance between harmful habits and proactive engagement can be tricky. By understanding the mental health effects of excessive scrolling, debunking news myths, and adopting healthy media consumption habits, you can mitigate the potential harm of doomscrolling before it escalates.
Read More: Interested in learning more about the news cycle and its effects on mental health? Check out our guide
Common Misconceptions About News Consumption and Mental Health
While completely avoiding the news may be unrealistic, you can learn how to consume it thoughtfully. As you strive to remain informed, keep these three prevalent misconceptions about news consumption in mind:
- Myth 1: You Must Consistently Follow the News: It’s unnecessary to constantly engage with all news sources to stay informed. Being strategic about when and how you consume news is quite feasible.
- Myth 2: All News Offers Complete Information: News reports and articles rarely present the full story. Engage with diverse viewpoints and sources but understand that no single article encompasses all the facts.
- Myth 3: You Can’t Step Away from the News: Although it may seem like you need to stay updated every day, remember to give yourself breaks to maintain your well-being.
Using these insights, you can navigate current events while keeping mental health at the forefront.
Strategies for Alleviating News Anxiety
News events can resonate differently with individuals. Whether the topics are wars, gas prices, healthcare changes, racial injustices, or violence, responses can vary widely among people. To protect yourself while staying informed, consider these general tips:
- Recognize Your Limits: Taking breaks, silencing news notifications, or unfollowing troubling accounts can help you regulate your intake.
- Engage with Your Community: Contribute your time, financial support, or resources to causes that matter.
- Make Your Voice Heard: Actively address injustices and distressing occurrences in your surroundings.
- Mind Your Emotions: Adopt constructive coping strategies for maintaining mental well-being.
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- Managing Your Emotions: It’s essential to be aware of your feelings and seek therapy if you require additional assistance.
- Prioritize Your Health: You can’t truly thrive unless you put your physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional health first. Look for ways to nurture all these aspects in your life.
Often, anxiety over the news can feel particularly personal and overwhelming. If you need support from someone who understands your specific experiences and emotions, GoodTherapy has a selection of culturally knowledgeable professionals ready to assist you in addressing mental health issues related to diverse identities.
Assistance from Therapy Professionals
As news continues to spread, you may need strategies to balance being informed with maintaining your mental well-being. By understanding the risks of doomscrolling, remembering general advice, and seeking professional help, you can reduce this habit and focus more on making positive contributions.
GoodTherapy offers compassionate, client-focused therapists who can help you with any mental health requirements, including breaking free from doomscrolling. Connect with a therapist via GoodTherapy, and remember, you’re not alone: support is available for you.
External References:
American Psychological Association
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