By Dr. Robi Ludwig, special to WTOP.com
WASHINGTON — The seemingly unending supply of bad news with which the country has been recently barraged can make it challenging for even the most optimistic among us to maintain a positive outlook on humanity and the world.
Some researchers suggest there may even be some good that comes out of highlighting the bad news in the world around us: The news can serve as a societal watchdog, identifying and outing the various injustices of the world. The process works similarly to how our brain scans our personal environment for possible threats.
Bad news can call out our society when it goes off track, and that’s a positive reminder that as whole, we still care when humanity goes off track, and that it’s not OK.
Other researchers suggest that if we only focused on good news, it could create a kind of societal malaise or complacency.
So how can you protect your mental well-being when the news becomes too depressing or scary, or is turning you into a hopeless cynic? Here are some ideas:
- You can’t change your externals, but you can change what you focus on.
Find ways to shape your news consumption so the information you’re getting is not putting you into a negative or anxious overload.
- Look at the whole picture.
The news often picks out extremes. Focus on the positive aspects of these stories. Find information that might not be focused on or highlighted in the media right now. There are more and more positive news outlets popping up, and more diversified information to read now, more than ever before.
- Ask yourself what you can do to make a difference.
Be part of the solution. Ask yourself what you can do to make things better where you are right now. Offer to volunteer, donate to a related charity or work with your kids to help them become more socially conscious and aware.
- Think about your inner group and who you’re talking to.
Find people you can talk to about the upsetting news — people who can help you to feel more connected, knowledgeable and hopeful.
- Remember that your outlook on life is ultimately your decision.
Reject the negative noise when and where you need to. Continue to find ways to look at the news in a way that works for you and your emotional makeup.
Dr. Robi Ludwig is a licensed psychotherapist and author. Her latest book is “Your Best Age is Now.“
