Can The News Be Bad for Mental Health? Balancing Awareness With Self-Care

In an age of 24/7 news coverage, livestreams, doomscrolling, and push alerts, our exposure to global events has never been more constant—or more emotionally taxing. From mass shootings and climate crises to political turmoil and racial injustice, the news has a psychological impact that many are only beginning to fully understand.

Recent research has revealed a growing concern: our relationship with news consumption may be negatively affecting our mental health. But how much is too much? And how can we stay informed without risking emotional distress or burnout?

In this article, you will learn:

• What does research say about news exposure and mental health?
• Why does negative news affect us so heavily?
• What is news fatigue?
• When does staying informed become a mental health risk?
• How to create a healthier relationship with the news

News Exposure and Mental Health: What the Research Says

Increased exposure to negative news has been linked to anxiety, depressive symptoms, and even suicidal thoughts. A 2022 ecological momentary assessment study published in JMIR Mental Health found that daily exposure to distressing news can trigger acute stress responses in real time, especially among young adults and individuals already experiencing mental health conditions.[1]

The general population, according to this study, showed signs of emotional distress following regular viewing of negative news coverage, with effects that lasted well beyond the initial exposure. In particular, coverage of mass shootings, global crises, and climate change had a significantly negative impact on emotional well-being.

In another survey conducted by the American Psychological Association (APA) in 2022, 56% of adults reported that following the news causes them stress.[2] Among young people, that number was even higher—suggesting that the emotional response to media is not only widespread, but worsening over time.

Why Negative News Hits So Hard

Human brains are hardwired to detect threat. From an evolutionary standpoint, this made sense: early detection of danger increased chances of survival. In today’s world, however, the constant presence of threats—real or perceived—via media can keep the brain in a near-permanent state of alert.

Negative TV news bulletins, in particular, have been shown to activate the body’s stress response. Elevated cortisol, increased heart rate, and anxious thoughts are common outcomes—even when the viewer is thousands of miles away from the event itself.

The climate crisis, war, and other global catastrophes contribute to a sense of helplessness.

People feel unable to act, yet unable to look away. This emotional dissonance creates a feedback loop: the more one watches, the more anxious they feel, and the more compelled they are to continue watching, seeking resolution or reassurance that never quite arrives.

The Rise of “News Fatigue”

The term “news fatigue” has gained traction in recent years, referring to the psychological toll of relentless news consumption. A Pew Research Center report from 2023 noted that nearly two-thirds of U.S. adults felt “worn out” by the amount of news they receive.[3] Notably, this exhaustion doesn’t stem from disinterest, but rather emotional overload.

Social media amplifies this effect. Algorithms favor emotionally charged content, meaning that distressing news is often prioritized in feeds. As people scroll through personal worries, global crises, and the lives of family members, they experience a cumulative emotional weight that can erode mental health over time.

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When Staying Informed Becomes a Mental Health Risk

It’s important to understand that the relationship between mental health and the news is not one-size-fits-all. Some individuals can engage with current events regularly with minimal impact, while others—particularly those in the early stages of anxiety or depression—may be more vulnerable to emotional distress.

Several signs indicate that news consumption is negatively affecting mental health:

• Frequent feelings of anxiety or helplessness after watching or reading the news
• Increased symptoms of depression, such as low mood, loss of interest, or fatigue
• Sleep disturbances following evening news exposure
• Avoidance behaviors or obsessive checking of news outlets and social media
• Ruminating on news stories long after reading them

One study found that people with higher news consumption were more likely to experience anxiety symptoms and report feeling sad, especially after repeated exposure to distressing or traumatic stories.[4]

Mental Health Services and Public Health Implications

The rise in distress linked to news media exposure presents a broader public health concern. Mental health services are reporting increased demand from individuals suffering from chronic stress and anxiety symptoms tied to media exposure.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), over 50 million adults in the U.S. live with a mental health condition.[5] When ongoing exposure to negative news coverage adds fuel to these conditions, it creates an urgent need for proactive treatment options and greater public awareness.

If untreated, the cumulative stress may escalate into more serious conditions, including major depressive disorder, panic attacks, and, in some cases, suicidal ideation. Recognizing these risks early and connecting affected individuals with the right mental health services is key.

The Power of Boundaries: Creating a Healthier Relationship With the News

The goal isn’t to unplug from the world entirely. Staying informed is essential to civic engagement, empathy, and awareness. But creating boundaries can help protect mental well-being without sacrificing knowledge.

Here are practical strategies for balancing news consumption with mental health:

1. Set a Time Limit

Designate specific times to catch up on the news—ideally not before bed or during meals. Limit daily exposure to 30 minutes or less to reduce emotional overwhelm.

2. Curate Your Sources

Choose news outlets that prioritize factual reporting over sensationalism. Avoid doomscrolling on social media, where context is often lacking.

3. Mix Positive Stories Into Your Feed

Balance is crucial. Following accounts that share uplifting or solution-oriented content can help counter the emotional weight of negative news.

4. Practice Mindful Media Consumption

Before opening a news app or clicking a headline, pause and check in with yourself. Ask: “Do I have the mental space to handle this right now?”

5. Talk About What You See

Sharing your thoughts with others can reduce the emotional burden. Whether it’s a therapist, a trusted friend, or a support group, verbalizing your feelings can help you process them more effectively.

6. Take News Breaks

If the world feels heavy, it’s okay to step back. A few days away from news outlets can offer the mental reset your brain needs to recalibrate.

Looking Ahead: A Call for Media Mindfulness

As crises facing the world become more complex—from global health emergencies to racial injustice and economic instability—the need for responsible, mindful engagement with the news becomes more urgent.

Media organizations, too, have a role to play. By prioritizing balanced reporting and integrating mental health disclaimers during distressing news bulletins, they can contribute to a more emotionally resilient public.

Ultimately, protecting your well-being while staying informed is not a contradiction—it’s a necessity. Informed citizens make empowered decisions, but emotionally resilient citizens make sustainable ones.

Get Connected to Mental Health Support

The connection between mental health and the news is undeniable. As recent research shows, unchecked news exposure can contribute to a wide array of symptoms—from emotional distress and anxiety to depressive episodes and acute stress. But awareness is the first step.

By recognizing the signs, setting healthy boundaries, and seeking professional support when needed, you can engage with the world while also protecting your peace of mind.

Because the goal isn’t to stop caring. It’s to care smarter.

If the news and recent world events have negatively impacted your mental health, the Mandala Healing Center is here to help. Whether you are struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, or a substance use disorder, we can help you recover. Contact us today for more information on our treatment programs.

FAQ: News Consumption and Mental Health

1. Is it normal to feel guilty about avoiding the news?

Yes, and it’s common. Many people worry that stepping away from the news makes them uninformed or apathetic. But protecting your mental health doesn’t mean disengagement—it means being intentional. You can stay informed through curated updates or weekly digests, and participate in civic life in ways that don’t rely on constant monitoring of headlines.

2. Can children and teens be affected by negative news, even if they don’t watch the news directly?

Absolutely. Young people absorb stress through indirect exposure—such as overhearing adult conversations, social media snippets, or witnessing caregivers’ emotional reactions. This can lead to anxiety, confusion, or even secondary trauma. It’s important to talk to children about what they’ve heard or seen and create space for open, age-appropriate conversations.

3. How does news-related stress interact with pre-existing mental health conditions?

For those already managing anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other conditions, distressing news can act as a trigger. It may intensify symptoms or interfere with recovery. In these cases, media exposure should be monitored closely as part of a broader mental health care plan—ideally with support from a clinician.

4. Are there apps or tools that help limit news exposure without cutting it off completely?

Yes. Apps like Flipboard, Ground News, or SmartNews allow users to control the type and volume of content they see. Screen time management tools like Freedom or Digital Wellbeing (on Android) can set boundaries around when and how often news apps are accessed.

5. What’s the difference between being informed and being overwhelmed?

Being informed means you’re aware of current events at a level that allows for thoughtful engagement. Being overwhelmed often involves emotional flooding, helplessness, or difficulty disengaging. If reading the news leaves you feeling powerless more often than empowered, that’s a cue to reassess your media habits.

6. Can therapy help if I’m feeling mentally exhausted by world events?

Definitely. Many therapists now integrate media-related stress into treatment plans. Cognitive-behavioral strategies, mindfulness, and psychoeducation can all help reframe your relationship with current events. Therapy offers a space to explore personal boundaries, process emotional responses, and find healthier coping mechanisms.

References:

1. Sage Journals: Media Exposure to Collective Trauma, Mental Health, and Functioning: Does It Matter What You See?
2. The American Psychological Association (APA): Media overload is hurting our mental health. Here are ways to manage headline stress
3. Pew Research Center: About two-thirds of Americans feel worn out by the amount of news
4. Science Daily: News addiction linked to not only poor mental wellbeing but physical health too, new study shows
5. The National Alliance on Mental Illness: Mental Health By the Numbers