01/12/2026
𝔽𝕚𝕟𝕕𝕚𝕟𝕘 ℙ𝕖𝕒𝕔𝕖 𝕚𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕖 ℙ𝕒𝕦𝕤𝕖: 𝕎𝕙𝕪 𝕌𝕟𝕡𝕝𝕦𝕘𝕘𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕗𝕣𝕠𝕞 𝕥𝕙𝕖 ℕ𝕖𝕨𝕤 𝕚𝕤 𝕒𝕟 𝔸𝕔𝕥 𝕠𝕗 𝕊𝕖𝕝𝕗-ℂ𝕒𝕣𝕖
In today’s hyper-connected world, we carry a 24-hour news cycle in our pockets. Between breaking news alerts, social media feeds, and trending topics, we are constantly bombarded with information, much of it distressing.
At West County Psychological Associates , we are seeing an increase in "headline anxiety." While staying informed is a value many of us hold dear, there is a thin line between being a concerned citizen and being emotionally overwhelmed.
If you’ve been feeling guilty about wanting to "turn it all off," this is your reminder: Taking a break from the news is not irresponsible. It is a biological and psychological necessity.
𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕋𝕠𝕝𝕝 𝕠𝕗 ℂ𝕠𝕟𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕟𝕥 ℂ𝕠𝕟𝕟𝕖𝕔𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟
Our brains are wired to pay attention to threats. This "negativity bias" helped our ancestors survive, but it wasn't designed for a world where we see every crisis happening across the globe in real-time. When we consume a steady stream of distressing news, our bodies remain in a state of "high alert," triggering the release of cortisol and adrenaline. Over time, this chronic stress can lead to:
Increased anxiety and panic attacks
Difficulty sleeping or disrupted sleep cycles
Feelings of helplessness or "compassion fatigue"
Irritability and physical tension
𝕀𝕥 𝕀𝕤𝕟’𝕥 𝔸𝕡𝕒𝕥𝕙𝕪; 𝕀𝕥’𝕤 𝕊𝕥𝕖𝕨𝕒𝕣𝕕𝕤𝕙𝕚𝕡
One of the biggest hurdles to unplugging is the feeling that we must know everything to be responsible citizens. However, being well-informed does not require being constantly immersed.
Think of your emotional energy like a battery. If you drain that battery by obsessing over things outside of your immediate control, you have nothing left for your family, your work, or your community. By "unplugging," you aren't ignoring the world; you are preserving your mental resources so that when you do engage, you can do so with clarity and intention.
ℍ𝕠𝕨 𝕥𝕠 𝕌𝕟𝕡𝕝𝕦𝕘 𝕎𝕚𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕥 𝕃𝕠𝕤𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕋𝕠𝕦𝕔𝕙
You don’t have to move to a cabin in the woods to find peace. Here are a few healthy ways to set boundaries:
Schedule Your Consumption: Instead of scrolling throughout the day, choose 20 minutes in the morning or afternoon to check a trusted news source. Avoid the news right before bed.
Turn Off Push Notifications: Disable "Breaking News" alerts on your phone. Reclaim the right to seek out information when you are ready for it, rather than letting your phone interrupt your day.
The "Circle of Influence" Check: When a story upsets you, ask: "Is there an action I can take right now?" If the answer is no, give yourself permission to put the story down.
Engage in "Analog" Joy: Spend time in nature, read a physical book, or have a conversation where phones are put away. Remind your nervous system that safety exists in the present moment.
𝕐𝕠𝕦 𝔻𝕠𝕟'𝕥 ℍ𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕥𝕠 ℂ𝕒𝕣𝕣𝕪 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕎𝕠𝕣𝕝𝕕 𝔸𝕝𝕠𝕟𝕖
If news-related anxiety is making it difficult to function or enjoy your life, talking to a professional can help. At WCPA, we provide a space to process these feelings and develop coping strategies that work for your unique life.
Prioritizing your mental health isn't a sign of weakness or indifference, it’s the foundation of resilience.
West County Psychological Associates Helping you find balance in a complex world. wcpastl.com | (314) 275-8599
Our Services Individual Therapy West County Psychological Associates has an interdisciplinary team of therapists. Each therapist is uniquely qualified to address both emotional and behavioral dimensions of human pain and growth. Learn More […]
