While informative, the news can also impact a person’s mental health. Frequent exposure to news, especially during intense periods such as election cycles, can lead to elevated stress levels and anxiety, often referred to as “election stress.” It’s crucial to understand how this consumption affects your mental well-being, as it can lead to short-term emotional disturbances and long-term psychological effects.

If you need help with navigating and coping with stress, New Directions Mental Health can help. Our mental health treatment services can provide clients with a space to process and cope with the stressors of daily life, including those related to the news. Reach out to us today by calling 724.374.7414 to get the support you need.

The Connection Between News and Mental Health

The media plays a crucial role in informing the public, but excessive news consumption can also have a negative impact on a person’s mental health, such as:

Increasing Anxiety

The constant bombardment of news, often highlighting negative events and crises, can trigger persistent feelings of worry and fear. This can lead to anxiety disorders, which are characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worrying that interferes with daily life.

Worsening Depression

For individuals already struggling with depression, consuming too much news may exacerbate their symptoms. News coverage of traumatic events can trigger memories or emotions associated with past traumas for those dealing with PTSD or other mental health conditions.

Causing Emotional Exhaustion

Being constantly exposed to distressing news makes it easy to become emotionally drained. This emotional exhaustion can lead to a lack of motivation, irritability, and trouble sleeping—all signs of burnout.

Tips for Coping with Election Stress

Election stress can manifest in various ways, from feeling anxious and overwhelmed to experiencing physical symptoms such as headaches and stomachaches. Here are a few tips to help manage election stress:

• Limit news consumption – Set boundaries for yourself by limiting the time spent consuming news daily.
• Engage in self-care activities – Take breaks from the news and engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
• Stay connected with loved ones – Reach out to friends and family for support during difficult times.
• Seek professional help – If the stress becomes overwhelming, Don’t hesitate to seek help from a mental health professional.

If you are experiencing mental health concerns, reach out to our team at New Directions Mental Health. Our compassionate and experienced therapists can provide the support and tools you need to cope with election stress and other mental health challenges.

Benefits of Mental Health Treatment

Getting help for mental health can be helpful if you feel stressed from watching or reading the news. Talking to a professional can give you a safe space to discuss why you might feel anxious or stressed. They can help you find ways to deal with your feelings when you see or hear about current events.

Learning new coping strategies can improve your mental health and build resilience in stressful situations. Seeking treatment for mental health concerns can also help you understand yourself better and address underlying issues contributing to election stress or other mental health concerns.

Call New Directions Mental Health and Get Help with Your Mental Health

At New Directions Mental Health, we understand the toll that news consumption can take on one’s mental health. Our team of compassionate and experienced professionals is dedicated to providing clients with personalized treatment plans to address their unique needs. We offer various therapy options, such as telehealth and in-person therapy, to help individuals manage election stress and other mental health concerns—call us today at 724.374.7414 to find a treatment option for you.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your mental health journey, click here to reach out to our team of empathetic mental health care experts. For existing clients, please click here and find your office location to contact your office directly.