The Mental Toll of News Consumption: Unveiling the Dark Side of Staying Informed
In an era dominated by information overload, staying updated on current events has become an integral part of our daily lives. From climate change, cost of living crisis, wars, natural disasters, pandemics, and political uncertainty there are a lot of things in the news that could cause us stress. With the constant barrage of bad news and catastrophic events, what are the impacts on our mental health? This blog explores the often-overlooked negative impacts of excessive news consumption and delves into the ways it can contribute to heightened stress, anxiety, and overall mental strain.
The 24/7 News Cycle
The advent of the 24/7 news cycle has transformed the way we consume information. While staying informed is essential, the constant bombardment of breaking news can lead to heightened stress levels. The never-ending stream of updates keeps people on edge, disrupting their mental well-being by fostering a perpetual sense of urgency and anxiety. The need to stay ahead in an information-driven society can inadvertently become a source of mental exhaustion. See, news companies only report things that are “newsworthy” and this leaves the most shocking stories and catastrophic events to be the ones getting the most coverage.
Unfortunately, bad news headlines are everywhere and even if you are not watching the television bad news can still seep in. From newspapers, websites, radio, and social media bad news can reach us anywhere. But how can we make sure it isn’t affecting our mental health?
News outlets often resort to sensationalism and fear-mongering to capture the audience’s attention. While this may boost ratings, it takes a toll on the mental health of viewers. Constant exposure to alarming headlines and graphic images can induce a sense of fear and helplessness. Over time, this emotional roller coaster can contribute to heightened anxiety and stress levels, affecting one’s overall mental resilience.
Information Overload and Cognitive Overwhelm
With the plethora of information available, individuals can easily succumb to information overload. Constantly processing and assimilating news updates can overwhelm the cognitive faculties, leading to mental fatigue and reduced concentration. This cognitive overwhelm may hinder decision-making abilities and contribute to a sense of helplessness, ultimately impacting mental well-being. People can also find themselves “doomscrolling”; or getting “headline anxiety”; which are two terms that have emerged recently. These can all send our minds racing and lead to mental burnout.
Polarization and Emotional Distress
The divisive nature of news coverage often contributes to polarization within society. Exposure to conflicting viewpoints and heated debates can trigger emotional distress, as individuals grapple with the overwhelming negativity and hostility surrounding certain issues. This emotional turmoil can have lasting effects on mental health, fostering a sense of isolation and frustration.
How We Can Cope with Heavy Topics on the News
While staying informed is crucial, it’s equally important to be mindful of the potential negative impacts excessive news consumption can have on our mental health. Striking a balance, setting boundaries, and being selective about the sources and frequency of news intake are key strategies to preserve our mental well-being in an age where information is abundant and incessant.
By being conscious of the potential downsides of news consumption, we can take proactive steps to safeguard our mental health and create a healthier relationship with the information that surrounds us.
These can include things like...
Regularly practicing self-care
Being mindful of how we feel when reading the news and know when to turn it off
Taking a break from social media or the news when needed
Creating boundaries
Focus on things that are in your control
Grounding yourself using techniques like 5-4-3-2-1
How Brookhaven Can Help
But when do we seek help? It can be hard to know when to reach out for help but if you find yourself being overwhelmed or unable to cope alone, you should consider seeking professional help. Many people often suffer in silence because they fear their problems are not “big enough” for therapy or that they will be a burden to others.
A mental health professional can offer personalized treatment options, such as therapy, and provide the necessary support to help you manage effectively. Additionally, they can help you brainstorm coping strategies that work for you and help you how more tools to better manage how to deal with stress and cope with bad news headlines.
The therapists at Brookhaven are trained in treating depression and anxiety. Want to learn more? Check out our website to learn more about Depression Therapy and Anxiety Therapy or contact us today if you have questions or want to book a session. We would love to hear from you!
