Why does the news impact my mental wellbeing?

The constant stream of news can significantly impact mental wellbeing, particularly the ones with distressing content. Exposure to negative events can lead to heightened stress and anxiety, even leading to depression. This is because the human brain is wired to react to threats and the news, which frequently focuses on problems and crises, can trigger a prolonged stress response.  

Examples of these negative events can include: 

• Natural disasters such as earthquakes  
• War, conflict and acts of terror 
• Political developments 
• News of death or suicide 
• Climate change 

The sheer volume of information and the rapid pace at which it is delivered in today’s digital age can overwhelm individuals, making it challenging to process and digest the news in a healthy manner.  

Also, remember to remain vigilant against false news. News stories can tend to be exaggerated or even untrue, driven by the desire for increased clicks and views. Certain sources may have incentives to present an incomplete narrative to portray their side of the story. Keep in mind that many media platforms utilise tactics to boost sales or traffic, aiming to attract more visitors for financial gain.

How can I stay informed without harming my mental health? 

Being informed is important, but taking care of our mental health is important too. Here are some practical tips you can take when reading the news whilst protecting your wellbeing:

Take a break
We all want to stay informed and be compassionate to what other people are facing in the world. However, this can take a serious toll on our minds. It can be particularly helpful to take this break at the start and end of our day, as our minds can be more sensitive to the information we receive. Whether that’s for an hour, a day, a week or longer if necessary. 

Avoid doomscrolling
Doomscrolling is when we spend an excessive amount of time absorbing negative news, which after time can intensify fear and anxiety. To avoid this, only look at the news at certain times of the day for a limited duration and try not to break this routine. If possible, try not to read the news late at night, as we’re in a lower mood during the nighttime. 

Do something relaxing after consuming the news
After consuming lots of news, our mind and body can feel heavy with tension and stress. A new activity helps manage stress so we don’t feel heavy all day. Having a short walk outside and calming breathing techniques can help with this. Read our resource on how to improve your wellbeing. 

Be conscious of the content you consume
It’s important to monitor how much content we consume, particularly when it’s graphic or violent. It’s also important to consume news from trusted publications to avoid any alarmist speculation. A useful tool when assessing whether a news story is trustworthy is The Share Checklist. 

Be mindful of notifications and social media
Notifications and news streams on social media can make it difficult to take breaks from the news. Consider changing the notification settings on your phone, so you can choose when to be updated with news. Monitor which social media sites provide the most news coverage and limit time on these sites when necessary. 

How do I help others cope with news-related stress?

Supporting friends or family members affected by news-related stress involves empathy and understanding. Here are some ways you can help others when people feel stressed about reading the news: 

• Encourage open communication, allowing them to express their feelings and concerns without judgement.  
• Suggest a break from continuous news updates, especially during particularly challenging periods like grief, can provide a much-needed break.  
• Share coping mechanisms, such as mindfulness or grounding techniques, or even workouts, to help them manage stress.  
• Offer a sense of perspective by highlighting positive news or actionable steps individuals can take in response to negative events can also be beneficial.  

Ultimately, creating a supportive environment and fostering connections can play a crucial role in helping others navigate the emotional toll of consuming news.