Sometimes, the media can be more than just informing. It can really take a toll on our mental health. Violence and affliction taint our news, painting the picture of a not-so-perfect and terrifying world. Staying up to date with the latest news, whether it be politics, natural disasters, shootings, or violent acts of terror, sometimes, watching the news and keeping up to date with social media surrounding an event such as these can have a toll on your mental health, increase stress levels, or become triggering. Studies have shown that even websites such as Facebook or Twitter, and other social media websites, can have a negative effect on mental health; and when those feeds are filled with posts of tragedy, violence, and more, it can be hard to focus on what matters first and foremost: your own health and wellbeing.
Social media and the news often create headlines that will grab your attention, regardless of the toll they may take on your mental health and regardless of their truth value. Stories will flash pictures of crime scenes that only create more curiosity on your part, and soon enough, you find yourself engulfed in a sea of graphic images, moment-by-moment storylines, and more. Whether these news sources are credible or not, it's important to know when to log off — for your own wellbeing. Sometimes, while it's good to stay informed, it's better to know when to take a break and focus on self care.
News stories are crafted to not only grab your attention, but keep it, too. Part of it has to do with our desire to know more about what's going on and news stations tend to provide lots of details, while also maintaining suspense in a very unhealthy manner. Images and video clips are replayed over and over, witnesses are recorded and replayed during moments of sheer terror, and interviews with different officials and political figures are often sensationalized and invoke more fear and emotion in their viewers with phrases like, "This can happen to anyone," or "It's only a matter of time before this happens here." It can be hard to log off, especially when you want to stay updated with current events, but sometimes, it's not worth the toll it can take on your mental health.
It's okay to take a break from the news, social media, and anything that causes excess stress or brings you down.
It's okay to look after yourself in the midst of a crisis, even if you feel it's your "duty" to stay in-the-know.
It's okay to tell your friends to stop giving you the minute-by-minute updates on the latest news.
Take this time to indulge in some self care and self love. Find a moment to reach out to loved ones, if you need to. Recognize how you're feeling, focus on coping mechanisms, and most of all, take care of yourself first and foremost.
