Staying informed doesn’t have to mean staying overwhelmed.

If you’ve ever caught yourself in a late-night doom scroll—heart racing, chest tight, suddenly feeling 20% heavier, you’re not alone. This common experience is often called headline anxiety, a psychological reaction to the constant stream of negative news delivered by today’s news media. In a world full of crises facing us—climate change, conflict, economic shifts—news exposure can quickly feel like too much.

The emotional toll is real. Some experts refer to it as headline stress disorder, an informal term for the emotional distress caused by unrelenting news stress. And while staying informed is essential, so is recognizing when the news cycle is hurting your mental health more than helping.

If the news is affecting your mental health, you don’t have to face it alone. Get support today.

Your Brain on Negative News

Your brain is built to detect danger. In the past, that meant responding to real-time threats. Today, your brain reacts the same way to headlines about disasters. That’s because news exposure activates your sympathetic nervous system, triggering the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline.

That can lead to:

• Racing thoughts or anxious thoughts
• Trouble sleeping or relaxing
• Headaches or muscle tension
• Irritability and emotional responses
• Heightened anxiety, fear, or even anger

Pair this with social media echo chambers and a nonstop news cycle, and it’s no wonder people feel overwhelmed. These physical and emotional changes are symptoms of stress from news, especially when exposed to too much news over a short period.

Signs You’re Experiencing Stress from News

If you’re constantly checking headlines or your news intake feels draining, you might be experiencing:

• Emotional numbness or feeling helpless
• Avoidance of family members, friends, or social settings
• Difficulty focusing or a drop in motivation
• Disturbed sleep
• A sense of hopelessness

These signs often point to headline stress or even mental health conditions being worsened by news consumption.

It’s okay to care. It’s also okay to create boundaries.

How Therapy Helps You Stay Sane While Staying Informed

Therapy provides a healthy space to process your emotions around current events, without shame. Whether in-person or online, it helps you navigate news anxiety and regulate your response to bad news. Therapy can support you in:

• Learning grounding tips and nervous system regulation
• Identifying and reframing negative and anxious thoughts
• Exploring other forms of self-care, like connecting with family, friends, or engaging in a positive activity daily
• Building resilience against information overload
• Understanding what’s in your control and what’s not
• Creating a plan to set limits on how much news you consume

Online therapy is especially helpful for young adults and anyone juggling life demands, giving you access to care without the added stress of travel or waiting rooms.

Grounding Tips for When the Headlines Get Heavy

If the news has you feeling weird or overwhelmed, these quick resets can help:

• Name 3 Rule: Name 3 things you see, 3 you hear, 3 you can touch. Ground yourself in the present.
• Screen-Free Timeout: Take a 15-minute break from all screens.
• Box Breathing: Inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4—repeat.
• Movement Reset: Walk, stretch, or step outside. Movement lowers cortisol.
• Compassionate Check-In: Remind yourself: “It’s okay to take a break.” Use calming self-talk or set a timer for focused news breaks.

Be mindful of how news affects your mood. Seek out positive stories when you can, and notice when it’s time to pause.

It’s Not About Ignoring the World, It’s About Protecting Your Peace

Being informed doesn’t mean absorbing every detail. Too much news can impact your mental health. Monitor your media intake, talk with a trusted friend, and choose reliable sources. Even looking for one positive headline can help balance the emotional load.

Therapy is a powerful tool for navigating both the headlines and your emotional response to them. And with virtual sessions, getting support is easier than ever.

Ready to Reclaim Your Calm?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the headlines, know this: stress from news is real, and help is available.

Online therapy can help you stay grounded, balanced, and resilient, even in uncertain times.

Reach out today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can support your mental health, no doomscrolling required.

Managing Stress From News: Your Brain on Headlines

Staying informed doesn’t have to mean staying overwhelmed.

If you’ve ever caught yourself in a late-night doom scroll—heart racing, chest tight, suddenly feeling 20% heavier, you’re not alone. This common experience is often called headline anxiety, a psychological reaction to the constant stream of negative news delivered by today’s news media. In a world full of crises facing us—climate change, conflict, economic shifts—news exposure can quickly feel like too much.

The emotional toll is real. Some experts refer to it as headline stress disorder, an informal term for the emotional distress caused by unrelenting news stress. And while staying informed is essential, so is recognizing when the news cycle is hurting your mental health more than helping.

If the news is affecting your mental health, you don’t have to face it alone. Get support today.

Your Brain on Negative News

Your brain is built to detect danger. In the past, that meant responding to real-time threats. Today, your brain reacts the same way to headlines about disasters. That’s because news exposure activates your sympathetic nervous system, triggering the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline.

That can lead to:

• Racing thoughts or anxious thoughts
• Trouble sleeping or relaxing
• Headaches or muscle tension
• Irritability and emotional responses
• Heightened anxiety, fear, or even anger

Pair this with social media echo chambers and a nonstop news cycle, and it’s no wonder people feel overwhelmed. These physical and emotional changes are symptoms of stress from news, especially when exposed to too much news over a short period.

Signs You’re Experiencing Stress from News

If you’re constantly checking headlines or your news intake feels draining, you might be experiencing:

• Emotional numbness or feeling helpless
• Avoidance of family members, friends, or social settings
• Difficulty focusing or a drop in motivation
• Disturbed sleep
• A sense of hopelessness

These signs often point to headline stress or even mental health conditions being worsened by news consumption.

It’s okay to care. It’s also okay to create boundaries.

How Therapy Helps You Stay Sane While Staying Informed

Therapy provides a healthy space to process your emotions around current events, without shame. Whether in-person or online, it helps you navigate news anxiety and regulate your response to bad news. Therapy can support you in:

• Learning grounding tips and nervous system regulation
• Identifying and reframing negative and anxious thoughts
• Exploring other forms of self-care, like connecting with family, friends, or engaging in a positive activity daily
• Building resilience against information overload
• Understanding what’s in your control and what’s not
• Creating a plan to set limits on how much news you consume

Online therapy is especially helpful for young adults and anyone juggling life demands, giving you access to care without the added stress of travel or waiting rooms.

Grounding Tips for When the Headlines Get Heavy

If the news has you feeling weird or overwhelmed, these quick resets can help:

• Name 3 Rule: Name 3 things you see, 3 you hear, 3 you can touch. Ground yourself in the present.
• Screen-Free Timeout: Take a 15-minute break from all screens.
• Box Breathing: Inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4—repeat.
• Movement Reset: Walk, stretch, or step outside. Movement lowers cortisol.
• Compassionate Check-In: Remind yourself: “It’s okay to take a break.” Use calming self-talk or set a timer for focused news breaks.

Be mindful of how news affects your mood. Seek out positive stories when you can, and notice when it’s time to pause.

It’s Not About Ignoring the World, It’s About Protecting Your Peace

Being informed doesn’t mean absorbing every detail. Too much news can impact your mental health. Monitor your media intake, talk with a trusted friend, and choose reliable sources. Even looking for one positive headline can help balance the emotional load.

Therapy is a powerful tool for navigating both the headlines and your emotional response to them. And with virtual sessions, getting support is easier than ever.

Ready to Reclaim Your Calm?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the headlines, know this: stress from news is real, and help is available.

Online therapy can help you stay grounded, balanced, and resilient, even in uncertain times.

Reach out today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can support your mental health, no doomscrolling required.