Signs You Are Doomscrolling & How to Deal with It.

How often do you find yourself immersed in social media consuming in information about the degrading state of the planet, the falling economy, wars, etc?

Why does it feel like so distressing and why is it so hard to stop reading?

These are some questions that you may have found asking yourself in todays day and age where information like this is available and accessible to us on our finger tips.

In today's hyper-connected world, where information is readily available at our fingertips, it's easy to fall into the trap of doomscrolling. A term coined in recent times, which is the habit of compulsive consumption of negative news and distressing content on social media platforms. While it may seem harmless at first, doomscrolling can have detrimental effects on our mental health.

Doomscrolling is a byproduct of our increasingly connected digital lives. With constant access to social media platforms, news websites, and notifications, we find ourselves endlessly scrolling through a flood of distressing news stories, catastrophic events, and alarming updates. Whether it's political turmoil, wars, natural disasters, or global crises, our news feeds are flooded with negativity, and we often find ourselves unable to tear our eyes away from the chaos. Ergo, causing harm to our mental state of mind.

Its impact on mental health

Engaging in doomscrolling can have significant repercussions on our mental health. Constant exposure to negative information triggers feelings of anxiety, stress, and even depression. The brain's tendency to focus on the negative causes us to fixate on threatening or distressing events, making it challenging to break free from the cycle of scrolling. In addition to that doomscrolling also disrupts our sleep patterns, increases feelings of helplessness, and hampers our ability to focus on positive aspects of life.

How to stop and regain control of our scrolling patterns?

The first step that would help us stop Doomscrolling is to recognize that we are doing it and that it is having a negative impact on our mental health. Following which listed below are some strategies that could help us regain control.

• Mindful Awareness: Start by observing your scrolling patterns and becoming aware of how doomscrolling affects your mood and mindset. Notice the emotional toll it takes on you and your daily life.

• Set Limits: Establish dedicated "no-scroll" zones or times, such as during meals or before bed, to disconnect from the constant stream of negative news. Use apps or browser extensions that limit your social media usage.

• Manage Your Content and Algorithm: Be selective about the sources you follow and the content you consume. On the other hand you can seek out positive and uplifting content, such as inspiring stories, personal achievements, or educational content.

• Engage in Meaningful Activities: Redirect your focus to activities that promote well-being and reduce stress, such as exercise, hobbies, spending time with loved ones, engaging in mindfulness practices or taking yourself to therapy if needed.

• Practice Digital Detox: Take regular breaks from social media and news platforms. Disconnecting from the online world can help reset your mind and provide a much-needed mental break.

• Seek Social Support: Share your struggles with trusted friends or family members. They can provide encouragement, accountability, and help you stay on track with your efforts to reduce doomscrolling.

This to conclude, doomscrolling may be a prevalent habit in today's digital age, but it doesn't have to control our lives. By cultivating mindful awareness, setting limits, and prioritizing positive content and activities, we can break free from the doomscrolling cycle and protect our mental health and well-being. Remember, our mental health is important, and it's within our power to choose how we engage with the online world.

Disclaimer: This blog post is meant for awareness/entertainment purposes only. It is not medical advice and one must refrain from self-diagnosing. It is in no way a substitute for therapy with a mental health professional and it is not meant to be clinical. To consult with a psychotherapist on our team, you can contact us on fettle.counselling@gmail.com.