How The News is Impacting Your Mental Health
During a world crisis just like the coronavirus pandemic, it’s understandable that we’d want to follow the news. We don’t understand how long we’ll need to stick out restrictions, how jobs and therefore the economy is impacted, or if we or our loved ones are going to be exposed to the virus. “Right now, there’s a degree of uncertainty that’s unprecedented for many people,” said Jacqueline Bullis, Ph.D., a psychotherapist in McLean Hospital’s Division of Depression and Anxiety Disorders.
Of course, many of us feel it’s important to stay informed. And it’s understandable that news you discover concerning could produce stress and anxiety. But recent changes to the way everyone gets their news—coupled with the style of reports that dominates today—may not be good for mental and even physical health.
Can Anxiety Be Helpful?
Even under ordinary circumstances, watching an excessive amount of TV or consuming limitless social media may be problematic when it interferes with fulfilling our roles and responsibilities, in line with Bullis. “Studies show that screen time before bed can cause insomnia and sleep disturbances, which successively make us more at risk of anxiety, low mood, and irritability,” she said.
The coronavirus pandemic is challenging due to how quickly our understanding of it changes. Anxiety is an adaptive emotion, preparing us to reply to a future threat. Bullis said that some amount of it’s helpful because it reminds us to require appropriate precautions to guard ourselves. “But many people may worry about missing something important,” she added.
Control What you’ll be able to
Since our schedules are disrupted by the pandemic, we may have longer than ever to observe the news or follow social media. Changes to routines and therefore the impact of physical distancing is likely to cause increased anxiety, fear, anger, loneliness, and other negative emotions for several. According to Bullis, we are able to address anxiety at this point by accepting what’s beyond our control.