Stressful events are dominating the news headlines these days. Crime, violence, inflation, household debt, political uncertainty, the future of the nation, a tragic bus fire, flooding ravaging the North and an online gold scam – these are among the topics we are exposed to over and over again on the news whether on TV, news websites or social platforms.
The constant stream of information, especially the negative news stories often leaves us feeling uneasy, taking a toll on our mental health.
To cope with information overload and the upsetting news, Dr Apichat Jariyavilas, a psychiatrist and a spokesperson for the Department of Mental Health under the Ministry of Public Health, spoke about the effects of news intake on mental health, signs and symptoms that news could be negatively affecting us, ways to consume it wisely to protect ourselves from the negative impacts and how to talk to children about the news.
He noted that consuming bad news can trigger negative feelings and emotions. Too much exposure can create high levels of stress and anxiety and even lead to depression.
“If you’re already experiencing poor mental health or dealing with a mental illness, watching or reading bad news may worsen your symptoms,” the expert said.
Dr Apichat suggested avoiding exposure to violent and suicidal content on news and the media, saying constant consumption of it increases the risk of violent behaviors on the viewers’ part and influences suicide behaviors.
He explained that ongoing consumption of the content is buried deep within people’s subconscious. And the behaviors can be driven by urges that exist in the subconscious.
“Your subconscious may tell you to use violence or commit suicide as a solution to your problems,” he said.
The psychiatrist noted people are prone to be negatively affected by the news when it’s personally related to them. For example, a teacher, a parent and relatives of school-age children may have stronger reactions to the news about the deadly school bus fire.
Someone who has been duped into a cyber fraud would be more sensitive to news regarding online gold scam. “A victim could be traumatized by his or her past experience while watching or reading news regarding scams. That can bring back painful feelings and traumatic memories,” he said.
People who are negatively affected following periods of watching or reading news, according to Dr Apichat, may have increased feelings of stress and anxiety.
They may also have aches and pains, difficulty concentrating, difficulty sleeping, and an upset stomach. Others may have low mood, fatigue, sadness, anger and irritation.
Coping with distressing news stories
Knowing what’s going on in the world is important, but protecting people’s mental well-being is equally important too. Dr Apichat gave advice how to stay informed without sacrificing our health.
He recommended we always check our feelings and emotions while reading or watching news and learn to step away when necessary.
“If you notice that you feel frustrated or upset or your muscles get tense after reading or watching news, you may need to take a break from it and take care of your mind. Seek out some positive or uplifting new stories.”
“Or do some activities like going for a walk that make you feel good,” he said adding that balancing the positive news and negative news can help maintain a healthy mindset.”
Dr Apichat also suggested consuming news and using social media in moderation and designating phone-free spaces to avoid feeling overwhelmed by too much information and news media.
“You can set a healthy boundary with your new habits and designate phone-free zones. Put your phone down when you are working, studying, dining and before going to bed,” he said.
He advised selecting reliable publications that prioritize accuracy and balanced reporting and exercising caution with content, especially potentially fake news, miscommunication and media biases.
“You should focus on factual content to learn what’s happening rather than stories that include the reporter’s thoughts, feelings and opinions,” he said urging fact-checking before sharing the information to avoid falling for and spreading fake news
Some news stories tend to be exaggerated, usually driven by a desire for increased user engagement, number of views, likes and shares. Many media platforms use tactics to boost sales or traffic in order to attract more visitors for financial gain.
People should turn off notifications, Dr. Apichat said when they find that news websites and apps or social media platforms they are using are overwhelming or making they sick.
Those of us who feel upset for a long period of time and find these difficult feelings are interfering with daily life should consider seeking professional advice.
“It’s okay to ask for professional help ever you’re not sure if you’re experiencing a mental health problem. Don’t wait to feel sick enough to get help,” he said.
How to help children understand the news
Sometimes, the news is complicated, difficult and scary. It’s important for parents and guardians to help their child to understand it.
Dr Apichat recommended always considering the child’s age and what news is appropriate for them. “Children of different ages absorb information differently. They may be not able to understand what they’re seeing at their age.”
“If you think they are not mature enough, keep the news out of their eyes,” he said, adding that strong images can be frightening for them.”
Parents should ask their kids’ questions to see if they know about a current event and listen to them carefully. If they are not interested in them, don’t push. If they are, help them think through the story.
“You should be honest with your child and teach them to be prepared. For example, if the news is about a fire, talk about the ways to keep them safe from the situation so they will feel in control,” he said.
Don’t let social media control you
More important is to keep balance and self-control in the digital age as well as use social media wisely and responsibly as it can be a useful tool for connecting to the world.
“Social media is not your enemy. It’s the way you use it. You have to control your social media, don’t let it control your time and mental health,” he said.
