Ever wonder how this pandemic and recent election have fiercely captivated our time and attention? Have you started to notice changes within yourself as a result? While this pandemic was not planned, it has impacted us one way or another due to our exposure or lack thereof. Being isolated and quarantined from our loved ones and support systems and the desperate need for information resulted in fatigue due to the overflow of information and news coverage. While the news media are doing their job there has been gains on their end.
One result of the pandemic is increased news viewership across the board. On average, news channels saw an increase of 15% due to pandemic-related news and up to 20% due to the election and political climate. Advertisers increased expenses by as much as 22% due to increased viewership.
News companies seek to improve their viewership to indicate a successful quarter or year resulting in monetary and other gains. It is a business and they profit on sensationalism which is the great lengths they can go to promote public interest. Journalism at its finest provides the public with information and perspectives they might be unaware of for countless reasons unbeknownst to them. It can inspire and develop a generation to seek out their passion and truths while it can also incite fear and anxiety which over time can be detrimental to our well-being. I would be a liar if I said I did not read or watch the news through media outlets both televised and social. I have taken stock of my and others’ experiences with long days and evenings of exposure. Generally, news focuses on stories of despair, conflicts, and traumatic events that are happening. There has been little focus on the impact of overexposure and ways to protect ourselves and one another’s mental health.
If you are finding yourself feeling more irritable, depressed, anxious, fearful, or upset, you are not alone and there are some things you can start doing now to improve your mental health.
Below are 4 ways to cope with increased news exposure!
- Limit exposure – Consider decreasing your news intake by as much as you can whether that be from 2 hours to 1, every day to every other day, turning off notifications on your phone, deleting apps, etc. Also, consider where you are receiving your news from as social media can be unreliable. Do your research and be your journalist.
- Stress Management – Consider ways to improve your coping skills toolbox. Increased exercise, mindfulness, cooking, learning a new skill, reading, writing, healthy eating, and lifestyle are just some ways to fill up the time that you might have spent in front of the television.
- Reach out – Consider ways to maintain and increase your support group. Technology makes it easier to stay connected while staying safe. Take advantage of good weather meet with others outdoors and engage in an activity that will boost serotonin and dopamine which are responsible for how we feel, think, and act.
- Acceptance of the uncertainty – This one requires time and patience. One thing guaranteed in life is that it’s unexpected. No one is being discouraged from being prepared and taking measures to keep themselves and their families safe but consider that everyone is doing the best they can. Uncertainty and anxiety go hand in hand so it’s okay to accept the state of mind as part of the process while remembering and using those skills and ways of managing the anxiety.
One can develop and express a sense of empathy for those traumatic stories while also developing increased, and sometimes unrational, fears that impact our day-to-day functioning. If you are finding yourself or someone you care for struggling and overwhelmed, please encourage them to reach out to a professional.
