Doomscrolling, Drama, & the Daily News: How to Protect Your Mental Health in the Age of Information Overload

Let’s be real—keeping up with the news lately feels like drinking from a fire hose. Earthquakes, elections, AI takeovers (okay, not yet), inflation, celebrity scandals, climate chaos… it’s exhausting just listing it all out. If you’ve ever found yourself mindlessly scrolling through headlines at 1 a.m. & feeling increasingly anxious, angry, or helpless, congratulations—you’re human. Also, you might be experiencing a not-so-lovely phenomenon known as doomscrolling.

We live in a time where news isn't just around us—it floods us. Between social media, 24/7 news channels, & push notifications every time a politician sneezes, it’s no surprise that our mental health is taking a hit.

So how do we stay informed without spiraling into anxiety, despair, or apathy?

Here’s your no-BS guide to managing your mental health while staying aware in this hyperconnected world:

1. Set Boundaries with the News: Think of news like junk food—okay in moderation, terrible in excess. Give yourself “news hours.” Maybe it’s 15 minutes in the morning & 10 minutes after lunch. Stick to it. Avoid checking updates right before bed unless you like tossing & turning at 3 a.m.

2. Curate Your Sources: Not all news is created equal. Follow reputable sources that inform rather than alarm. If a headline feels like it was written to trigger your cortisol levels, it probably was. Cut the sensationalist noise & opt for calm, fact-based reporting.

3. Choose Active Over Passive Consumption: Instead of scrolling aimlessly through Twitter/X/whatever it’s called now, choose a podcast, newsletter, or news app that gives you a digest. This way, you choose when & how you engage, instead of being pulled in by a notification every 30 minutes.

4. Balance Bad News with Good News: Yes, the world is a mess. But it’s also full of kindness, resilience, & innovation. Actively seek out positive news—yes, it exists. Whether it’s a breakthrough in medicine or a kid raising money for charity, these stories remind us that there is good in the world.

5. Focus on What You Can Control: You might not be able to solve global warming overnight, but you can vote, recycle, or support local causes. Taking action, however small, is a great antidote to helplessness. Make your circle a little better—& that ripple effect matters more than you think.

6. Check In with Yourself (Before You Wreck Yourself): Notice how the news makes you feel. Anxious? Numb? Overwhelmed? That’s your mind waving a red flag. It’s okay to take breaks. In fact, it’s necessary. Don’t gaslight yourself into thinking that “if I don’t stay updated, I’m irresponsible.”

   
   

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Know Everything All the Time

The world doesn’t need another overwhelmed, burned-out, doom-laden zombie. It needs you—grounded, clear-minded, & emotionally available. So permit yourself to disconnect. Not forever, but long enough to breathe, reflect, & reconnect with what matters.

You are allowed to take care of your mental health first. In fact, in today’s world, it might be the most revolutionary act of all.