Avoid Getting Sick from the Nonstop News cycle
Overview
At this point, the 2018 mid-term elections have passed, along with the controversies that ensued in the following weeks. The Kavanaugh hearings are also behind us. However, a quick check of the news will reveal a plethora of new issues to be concerned about or that news organizations want you to be concerned about, enticing you to keep watching endlessly.
How does this constant exposure to distressing news affect our mental well-being? Let's delve into it.
The current political climate is saturated with heightened animosity on both sides, perpetuated by a ceaseless barrage of loud outrage amplified by a 24-hour news cycle and incessant social media updates. Coupled with coverage of calamities and crises, we are often made to believe that we are somehow implicated in these events, with suggestions that these misfortunes are political in nature, whether due to climate change or perceived political inaction.
Steven Stosny, PhD, a therapist based in Maryland, coined the term 'Headline Stress Disorder' to describe the increase in general anxiety, worry, intolerance, and decreased frustration tolerance caused by the overload of distressing news.
A survey by the Pew Research Center revealed that seven out of ten individuals feel mentally drained by the abundance of news available. Furthermore, a study by the American Psychological Association highlighted that two-thirds of Americans are stressed about the country's future, with continuous news consumption being a significant trigger.
Graham Davey, a psychology professor at Sussex University, emphasized the adverse impact of modern news consumption on mental health, attributing it to the changing news presentation and accessibility over the past two decades.
We're Wired to Worry
Despite the stress induced by round-the-clock news, the human brain is inherently drawn to distressing information due to a phenomenon known as "negativity bias," essential for survival. While it's prudent to be concerned about genuine personal issues, the current culture of excessive worry can lead to unnecessary stress and sleep disturbances.
Five Strategies to Alleviate Headline Stress
- Limit Screen Time: Set boundaries on your news consumption to prevent endless scrolling and clicking. Experiment with different time limits to find what works best for you.
- Avoid News Before Bed: Checking updates before sleep can heighten anxiety and disrupt your rest. Opt for a calming activity instead.
- Balance with Positive News: Counterbalance distressing news with uplifting and inspiring stories to maintain a healthy perspective. Begin your day with positivity to enhance productivity.
- Take Breaks from News: Disconnect entirely from news sources if necessary to restore mental well-being. Designate a trusted individual to update you on critical events.
- Consider Traditional Media: Reading print newspapers may offer a more balanced news diet compared to online platforms, providing a mix of headlines and positive content.
Monitoring News Consumption
While staying informed is important, it is crucial to recognize when news consumption starts negatively impacting your life. Implement measures to regulate your exposure and maintain a healthy mental state.
Personal anecdotes shared by the author underscore the need to prioritize mental well-being over constant news updates.