Doomscrolling is when a person actively seeks out saddening or negative material to read or scroll through on social media or news media outlets.
Gaining prevalence in 2020, the idea behind doomscrolling is attempting to get access to all the information you need to keep yourself protected from what is dangerous around you. Unfortunately, you can become unable to tear yourself away from all the horrible headlines.
According to research, people with a high level of neuroticism (a general tendency toward negative emotions) may be more likely to engage in doomscrolling. Neuroticism is one of the big five personality traits, along with openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, and agreeableness.
Dr. Richard Mollica, a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School says that women and people with a history of trauma are the two most vulnerable groups when it comes to doomscrolling.
Doomscrolling can reinforce negative thoughts and a negative mindset, something that can greatly impact your mental health. Research has linked consuming negative news to an increase in depression and anxiety and can also cause them to experience feelings of:
- Apprehension
- Sadness and anger
- Uncertainty about the future
Some potential effects of doomscrolling include:
- May worsen mental health issues
- May lead to insomnia
- Can contribute to “crazymaking” or “gaslighting”, a form of abuse that makes you feel off-balance mentally or emotionally by making you believe you’re crazy.
Here are some tips to help you stop doomscrolling:
- Avoid catastrophizing by not letting your mind jump straight to the worst-case scenario.
- Think about how you feel after doomscrolling
- Keep your phone off your nightstand
- Switch your phone to grayscale
- Limit your screen time
- Opt out of notifications
- Don’t bring your phone to the dinner table
- Focus on the now
- Seek out positive news
- Practice gratitude
- Move your body
- Disconnect
- Ask for help
Embrace mindfulness and practice checking your phone consciously, not compulsively. If you need the assistance and support of a mental health professional at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5575, to schedule an appointment.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.