Breaking News: Social media effects your mental health

Anyone else feeling emotionally exhausted by the tone of recent media coverage? Has the news felt a bit more… negative recently? That’s because it has! Studies have shown that media has become increasingly negative and that exposure to negative media coverage (e.g., health crisis, national/global issues, violent threats/attacks, etc.) impacts our mental health whether we were directly exposed to that event or not.

Some mental health impacts may include:

Overall low mood/sadness
Restlessness
Difficulties concentrating
Feelings of hopelessness, anger, and/or fear
Fatigue/loss of energy
Low motivation
Difficulties with sleep

It is especially important to care for yourself when hearing new negative media content. Some ways to support yourself can include the following:

Reducing media exposure/taking media breaks
Practicing mindfulness
shifting your attention to your present, safe environment
Volunteering/supporting with a cause that you feel passionate about
Connecting with family, friends, and community member
Practicing self-compassion- acknowledging how you feel and working with yourself, not against yourself

Therapy is also a great way to receive support with processing difficult recent events. A therapist can help navigate these potential impacts with you and give you space to explore your thoughts in a safe, non-judgmental environment.