How The News is Impacting Your Mental Health

Updated July 5, 2022.

Over the past few years, the news cycle has been inundated with breaking news headlines from COVID-19 updates and protests, to political races and global conflicts. While such stories have been crucial in keeping the public informed on world events, Americans are beginning to feel the toll of the news on their mental health.

According to a survey by Digital Third Coast, 68% of people said the news has left them feeling anxious during the pandemic. Meanwhile, 65% and 67% of respondents reported feeling overwhelmed and burnt out by the news respectively. 54% even said they were cutting back on their news consumption to escape these feelings.

While it’s understandable to want to stay up to date on local and national news, especially when it comes to public health and safety guidance, overconsumption of the news can be an added source of stress. It’s important to strike a balance between staying informed and consuming everything in your newsfeed in order to preserve your mental health.

Given the sensational nature of the 24-hour news cycle, most media outlets end up reporting on crises, disasters, or other stories that are likely to shock and draw in readers and viewers. Our brain responds to this stressful or negative news as a threat and our sympathetic nervous system kicks into fight or flight mode, producing stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Recurrent exposure to this stress can impact both our physical and mental health and cause symptoms like headache, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and trouble sleeping. “Checking in with yourself a few times a day is key to preventing anxiety and managing stress,” says One Medical mental health provider Laura Koziej, LCPC. “Ask yourself how you’re feeling emotionally. Check to see if you are holding tension in your shoulders or another part of your body. If you notice you’re feeling anxious or stressed, ask yourself what you need in the moment and create a plan to take care of yourself.” Negative news can also affect mood and lead to feelings of hopelessness, anger, and fear. One study, for instance, found that people showed an increase in both anxious and sad moods after only 14 minutes of watching TV news. These negative stories can also exacerbate worries about our own personal lives even if they aren’t directly related to the content of the news story.

While staying informed on public health guidelines is crucial for your safety, moderation is key. Here are our tips for limiting your news intake and managing headline stress:

1. Set time limits

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the constant barrage of headlines, try setting aside regular time in the morning or afternoon to check your newsfeed or read the news and give yourself a time limit. “Many times we find ourselves mindlessly scrolling through our newsfeeds,” says Koziej. “This not only exposes us to an excessive amount of negative information, but also prevents us from being present in 'real life' where we might be missing positive moments or even completing simple daily tasks due to being overwhelmed.” Develop a routine that allows you to stay up to date on the most important events without spiraling down rabbit holes on news sites. You can even use a timer to regulate yourself. Many social media platforms also allow you to set such parameters with their apps. You may also consider changing your notifications on your news apps to limit your exposure to unnecessary headlines throughout the day.

2. Stick to a few news sources

With so much uncertainty in the world right now, it may be tempting to consume as much information as possible. One Medical’s Clinical Director of Mental Health Integration, Christine Celio, Ph.D., recommends limiting news consumption to just a few reliable sites. “Reading social media will create more frustration since you inevitably will read comments,” says Celio. “Traditional newspapers have a code of ethics and legal responsibility to tell the truth — so start there.” Get the information you need to prepare and keep you and your family safe from trusted sources like the World Health Organization or the CDC. Once you have that information, move on with your day. There is no need to keep reading and stressing yourself out if you have already caught up on the most important information.

3. Subscribe to newsletters

Rather than constantly sorting through headlines or scrolling through social media, you might consider signing up for a daily newsletter or podcast. These options will summarize the most important events of the day in one place, saving you time and energy, while also limiting your coronavirus news intake.

4. Remove anxiety-provoking information from your newsfeed

While your social media feed can be a good source of information at times, it can also trigger more stress and anxiety. If there are people you are following who are bombarding your feed, posting upsetting information, or sharing questionable links, consider muting or hiding their posts or even unfollowing them for the time being. You can also adjust your settings across social media platforms and news curation apps to mute certain words or phrases.

5. Avoid the news before bed

Reading the news right before bed is likely to induce anxiety and keep your mind racing. Likewise, the blue light emitted from your electronic devices may also be interfering with your body’s natural sleep cycle. Protect your sleep by avoiding the news at least an hour before bedtime. “We know that ongoing stress creates issues with falling and staying asleep,” says Celio. “You can read later in the day, perhaps after dinner, but space it far enough before bed that it won't keep you up.” You might also consider turning off notifications or putting your phone on Do Not Disturb while you sleep.

6. Seek good news

Though it may seem like everything coming out of the new is negative these days, there are outlets sharing positive, uplifting stories. Check out social media accounts like Some Good News, Upworthy, and Good News Network. You can also start a text chain with friends and family dedicated specifically to positive story sharing. This can help offset some of the worrisome news that may be dominating your regular news sites.

7. Do something good for yourself

After reading a news article, you may be left feeling worried or uncertain about your future. Prevent yourself from obsessing over these thoughts or spiraling into despair by immediately launching yourself into an uplifting activity right after. Go on a walk, call a friend, meditate, or watch a fun tv show. Do something that takes your mind off of current events. These are all healthy distractions that will keep you in the present moment.

Have more questions about news consumption and your mental health? Our primary care team is here to help. At One Medical, we aim to provide exceptional care designed around you and your unique health needs. Book an appointment with a provider through our app today or get 24/7 virtual care on demand.