Depositphotos
The abundance of disturbing and negative news that people around the world view on a daily basis (doomscrolling) keeps them in a state of constant stress and tension, which is exhausting.
For example, in Ukraine, in the midst of a criminal war waged by Russia, people would be happy to avoid watching bad news, but it is vital to be aware of what is happening. Safety and survival priorities are key to the human brain, but their constant activation by watching negative news is mentally draining.
Unfiltered and uncensored images can have a negative psychological impact. Images of tragedies that are actively circulate in social networks, can have an even greater impact than content in traditional media.
Studies show that watching negative news is associated with a worsening of well-being and mental health problems, including anxiety, insecurity, and insecurity. It makes a person feel more pessimistic about themselves and others.
In some cases, viewing a large amount of negative and disturbing news content can lead to hidden mental trauma. A person may experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress, sleep problems, despite the fact that they are not directly related to the situation.
In this regard, Reza Shabahang, an Australian researcher from Monash University and Flinders University, advises to consciously interact with negative news content, paying attention to changes in one’s own emotional states, and to reduce viewing if the news causes severe stress.
Among the key steps, the scientist suggests:
Signs that consuming negative news can affect your mental health include:
In case of feeling upset, Reza Shabahang advises taking a break from a few minutes to several days, depending on the specific psycho-emotional state. You can also write down what emotions and feelings are triggered by watching negative news content. Communication with other people, time spent outdoors, employment, or hobbies will be helpful.
Source: The Conversation