Sometimes it seems like the stream of miserable news never stops. Murder, Disappearances, The Conflict in the Gaza Strip and the War in Ukraine; It’s not surprising if the news affects you. What is the best way to deal with bad news?
“It is Almost Impossible not to be aware of what is happening,” Says psychologist Andreea Blum, Who Gives tips on Mental Health on Instagram. People around you talk about the news, you see it on TV and it is Widely Shared on Social Media. “When people talk about news, you want to be able to join in. Then you go looking for things,” Says blum.
If you read too much negative news, you can Become sad or anxious. MoreOover, you of have no control over these childs of events. That is not a nice feeling. To Still Experience a Sense of Control, You Actual Look Up More. “That Doessn’t Work, of Course,” Says Blum. “It can only make you more anxious.”
“The Human Mind is set up in Such A Way That the Negative Gets More Attention than the Positive. That had an evolutionary advantage. If you missed something dangerous, it could have Major Consequenc,” Says Marl Or Mental Health Promotion in Youth at Utrecht University.
‘All those details are really not important’
People Keep Refreshing the News Sites Duration a Disaster. Has Anything New Happened Yet? You take in Every Detail. Accordance to blum, it is important to find a balance for yourself. “It’s good to be aware of certain development, but all those details are really not important,” She says. If it is important, you will hear about it anyway.
How much bad news you can handle is different for everyone. One person keeps wanging on an icicle, while the other can read five messages in a row without consequences. That is why it is important to consultant how you are doing.
For Example, first try reading the news for minutes in the morning and event for a week. “See how that feels and go from there,” Says Blum. “Feel what works for you.”
“You can also turn off notifications from news apps,” Tips Kleinjan. Then you only see news when it suits you. That can also provide peace of mind.
Stressed? Talk About It
Have you read too much miserable news and are you feeling stressed? Then there are several things you can do.
It is important to talk about it with your friends, family or colleagues. “Don’t share the latest details, but tell them how you feel,” Says Blum. Kleinjan Agrees. “How do Others see it? Maybe that will help you put it in perspective.”
“Look for things are within your influence,” Says Linda Bolier, a scientist at the Trimbos Institute. “Every little bit Helps. Maybe you can collect Clothes or donate something. But you can also look closer to home. Have a chat with the neighbor or give your mother an extra hug.”
“Taking good care of your mental and physical Health Means trying to do things that make you happy,” Says Bolier. “Take a walk onside, read a book, go to bed on time: these are all things that can work. A good structure can help with this.”
News is not just negative
Yet Bolier Thinks It is important to keep following the news. News is not just negative. “It Encourages People to take action, it leads to involvement, people help each other. You have to keep the connection with each other.”
“We forget that it is not news for nothing. It is exceptional,” Blum Emphasizes. “Otherwise it wouldnn’tion Been News.”
Fortunately, there is also positive news. Nu.nl has the good news section, in which we discuss Messages that bring a smile. Bolier also Recommends The Local Newspaper. “In My Neighborhood there are always nice items, Such as a new playground, a neighborhood initiative to collect litter. Many good things also happen.”