How the News Affects Your Mental Health

Why the world weighs heavy

Every morning, scrolling through headlines can feel like standing in a storm of fear. War, climate disasters, economic uncertainty—our nervous systems weren’t designed to hold the constant intensity of global news. It’s normal to feel anxious, powerless, or even numb.

Recognising the impact

Notice what news consumption does to your body and mind: tight chest, racing thoughts, irritability, difficulty sleeping, or withdrawing from friends. These are signals that your system is overloaded. Therapy can help you track these patterns and build strategies to protect your emotional energy.

Strategies to stay informed without being overwhelmed

• Set boundaries: Limit news checking to specific times, not the whole day.

• Choose trusted sources: Reduce exposure to sensationalist outlets.

• Detox digitally: Consider social media breaks if the content triggers anxiety.

• Balance with hope: Seek stories of community resilience, recovery, and action.

Turning global anxiety into personal agency

Even small, intentional acts—donating, volunteering, connecting locally—can restore a sense of purpose. Therapy helps process feelings of helplessness and channel them into meaningful action.

Gentle reflection

It’s okay to step back. Protecting your mental health does not mean ignoring the world. It means caring for yourself so you can stay present, compassionate, and effective.