If you’re feeling overwhelmed by bad news in your news feed on social media, you are not alone. It was difficult enough during the presidential election, and although we had hoped it would settle down once the new administration took over, the chasm between the two parties seems to be widening. No matter what your politics are, whether you support the President or you are concerned about what’s happening in Washington D.C., being fed a steady diet of devastating world events is not good for your mental health. In fact, some experts warn that you could be crushed with depression or anxiety by continuing to be absorbed in your news feed.
Information Overload
Let’s consider a simile. The amount of news available to people today is much like the amount of food you can buy in the grocery store. When you go shopping, you can easily get overwhelmed if you want everything. But you probably know that you don’t need to walk down each aisle and purchase one of everything in the store. You can’t eat ice cream every night for dinner and expect to be healthy. Applying this to what’s happening in the world, you should aim for a balanced news diet. Don’t focus on just bad news. Find sources for good things happening as well.
Take Action When You Must
Every day, people make judgment calls about whether to overlook a slight or to confront it. You may want to get mad at your friend for standing you up, but you don’t want to destroy a friendship. You have to choose whether something will really matter down the road. We can do that with our positive actions in our community. You can’t solve homelessness for every person, but you can work with a local agency to help find places for veterans to live. Know your priorities and do something good to make a difference.
Allow Yourself to Feel Emotions
When you suppress emotions, all it does is leave you emotionally drained. There are times when we do have to shut our feelings off, but if you keep doing this, it is harder to feel the emotions. You get tense and it shuts down communications between people. You are allowed to be sad when you hear about a police officer dying. You don’t have to let this emotion keep you from doing your job. Feelings come and go. When you find yourself getting overwhelmed by negative emotions, have a plan to change your attitude. Look at puppies, artwork or nature, or go to your happy place to find balance.
Stick to Your Health Routine
Most humans are comfortable with familiar surroundings. A routine can really help you maintain balance in your life. Get enough sleep by going to bed and waking up at the same time. Eat meals on schedule, and try to make sure you’re eating right. Make time for friends and family and have fun. Limit your time on social media and news outlets. Take care of yourself.
Focus on What You Can Control
Don’t fixate on things you cannot do anything about. If your legislator is considering enacting a law that you don’t agree with, you can do your part by writing or calling your legislator. It might change that person’s mind, but it might not. Once you’ve been active with what you can control, you have to just let it go. Know that you did what you could. Connect with others who care about the same things you do. Band together in support and care. Self-care isn’t about being selfish, but about taking positive steps to take care of yourself. We all need that right now.