Are You Feeling Stressed? Turn off the News
These days, it’s everywhere. It’s on our phones, on our TVs, our radios, even our social media platforms. News - coverage of politics, world events, human suffering - can pop up in the most unexpected of places. And often we drink it in, wanting to be informed, stay abreast of current events, or just to be upset at our chosen political adversaries. But what happens when we take in too much?
How Media Can Affect Stress
In times of tragedy, we are more likely to be glued to the news - and it’s more likely that the media will cover a tragedy compared to “lesser” news events. Often, watching these programs can make it feel like you have to watch, in order to know what’s going on - or you might feel like you should, so you can be a part of history.
However, at any time - but particularly during times of tragedy - viewing too much trauma-related television can have a significant impact on stress and anxiety levels. Research shows that individuals who viewed more tragedy-related clips, compared to other news clips, reported more anxiety and stress (Hamblen, 2010).
COVID-19
Now, here comes the kicker. We are all in the middle of a global pandemic that seems to be becoming a new way of life, rather than coming to a close. For most - if not all - of us, the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed effects of trauma and high stress. The news is full of it, and we feel more compelled than ever to watch to make sure that we are doing what we feel is right to keep ourselves and our families safe. However, this can have the same effect as a single, solitary tragedy - and we need to be careful.
If You’re Feeling Anxious, Consider a Break
The media isn’t all bad - watching coverage can help you know what to do next, dispense necessary information, and provide a source of hope towards the future. However, if you are noticing that during or after watching the news:
You can’t seem to turn off the television
You can’t relax or enjoy other activities
You’re having trouble sleeping
You’re noticing anxiety or stress
It may be time to take a break. Limit watching the news just before bedtime, and limit your overall intake each day. Give yourself permission to take a break, knowing that you can be informed through other ways. Reading newspapers and journals, as well as processing the events and how you’re getting along with loved ones can be just as informative, and more beneficial.
Often, we leave the news on in the background as we are doing other things - cooking dinner, or listening to a news station during our morning commute. Pay attention to those times in which you are mindlessly taking in news - as this can affect you and those around you as well.
It is okay to step back - do so for your health and wellbeing.
If you’re noticing anxiety or stress that you’re having difficulty working through, you deserve the help of a professional. Click here to get started.
Sources:
Hamblen, J. (2010, March 26). Media Coverage of Traumatic Events: Research on Effects. PTSD: National Center for PTSD. Retrieved September 28, 2021, from https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/treat/type/media_coverage_trauma.asp.
