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Monitoring your mental health alongside keeping up with current events

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. th-alongside-keeping-up-with-current-events.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Wednesday, September 17th 2025 at 8:20 GMT by WLOX
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Monitoring Your Mental Health While Staying Informed About Current Events – A 2025 Guide

On September 17 2025, Wlox (the local news outlet for the Wilmington area) published an in‑depth feature that tackles a problem many people face today: how to keep your mind healthy while staying abreast of the nonstop stream of news. The article, titled “Monitoring Your Mental Health Alongside Keeping Up With Current Events,” blends practical advice, expert commentary, and a rundown of useful tools and resources. Below is a detailed summary of the main points, the actionable strategies the piece recommends, and the external links the writers used to deepen the conversation.

1. The Problem: Information Overload and Mental Health

The article opens by noting that in 2025 the average American is exposed to more than 5 hours of news content daily—an increase of nearly 30 % over the past decade. While staying informed is important, the author argues that the sheer volume of news—especially when it covers politics, climate crises, pandemics, and social justice movements—can overwhelm the brain and erode mental wellbeing.

Wlox cites a 2024 study by the American Psychological Association that found a strong correlation between prolonged “doomscrolling” (the compulsive consumption of negative news) and elevated symptoms of anxiety and depression. The article emphasizes that this isn’t just a “personal choice”; media companies and social‑media algorithms are engineered to keep users glued to screens.

2. Expert Opinions

Dr. Lena Patel, Clinical Psychologist, University of North Carolina

Patel stresses that the brain’s “cognitive load” can be overloaded by constant exposure to stressful news. “When you read or watch negative events repeatedly, your amygdala stays in a heightened state of alert,” she explains. “That’s why people who binge‑watch late‑night news are more prone to rumination.”

Patel recommends cognitive‑behavioral strategies: - Reframing: Instead of focusing on the worst case, ask what is being done to mitigate the problem. - Scheduled exposure: Designate a specific time of day for news consumption (e.g., a 15‑minute window in the morning).

Alex Torres, Digital Media Analyst

Torres adds a tech perspective, noting that many users get “hyper‑personalized” news feeds. He encourages audiences to diversify their information sources to avoid echo chambers. He also warns of “confirmation bias” that can exacerbate stress when news lines up perfectly with one’s anxieties.

3. Practical Tips to Protect Your Mind

1. Set Clear Boundaries
   The article suggests limiting news intake to two short sessions per day—morning and evening. Between these windows, turn off notifications, use “Do Not Disturb” modes, and focus on offline activities.

2. Curate Your Sources
   Wlox recommends a mix of national outlets (e.g., The New York Times, Reuters), local news (e.g., WLOX itself), and niche non‑profit organizations that cover specific topics with balanced reporting (e.g., ScienceDaily for environmental updates).

3. Use “Sane Browsing” Extensions
   The article links to a few free browser add‑ons that help filter sensational headlines:
   - NewsGuard: Rates sources for credibility.
   - Curate: Allows users to “bookmark” headlines for later reading.
   - Sifted: Blocks headlines containing certain emotionally charged words.

4. Practice Mindful Consumption
   The piece references a mindfulness app called Headspace (link included) that offers a “digital detox” exercise: set a timer for 30 minutes, focus on breathing, and gently return to your routine afterward.

5. Engage in Physical Activity
   “Physical movement is a proven antidote to stress,” the article cites a 2023 meta‑analysis on exercise and anxiety. Even a short walk during lunch can help reset your mental state.

6. Stay Connected
   Social support is a buffer against news‑induced distress. Wlox encourages reaching out to friends, family, or support groups—online or in person—when you feel overwhelmed.

7. Seek Professional Help When Needed
   The article includes a direct link to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988) and local counseling resources like Wilmington Mental Health Center.

4. Additional Resources and Links

The feature goes beyond basic tips, providing a curated list of tools and hotlines that the author believes will help readers manage the mental toll of staying informed:

• Mental Health America (MHA) – Offers a “Mental Health Screening” tool and local helplines.
• Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741 (free, 24/7).
• BetterHelp – Online counseling platform (discount codes for students).
• SANE – Advocacy for survivors of suicide attempts.
• WLOX Community Board – Local community events and mental health workshops (link to the board’s calendar).
• The Center for Sustainable Journalism – Guides on how to consume news responsibly.

These resources are embedded as clickable links throughout the article, allowing readers to explore further.

5. Closing Thought

Wlox wraps the article with an encouraging note: “Staying informed is a civic duty, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of your health.” The piece urges readers to treat the news as a tool, not a tyrant, and to prioritize self‑care practices that help maintain balance in a digital age.

In essence, the article is a practical playbook for anyone navigating the 2025 media landscape—a reminder that mental health is a public good, just as current events are a public interest. By following the suggested boundaries, diversifying sources, and leaning on support systems, readers can remain knowledgeable without compromising their wellbeing.