February 11, 2025
Stressed about the news? Try a ‘news diet’ — and hugs
When news and online information becomes too stressful, Dr. Sammie LaMont Moss’s strategies can help you to balance mental well-being.
Taking in too much news and online information can trigger the body’s fight-or-flight response and leave you feeling overwhelmed.
In today's fast-paced world, the influx of news and online information can seem never-ending.
While it can be important to stay informed, said Sammie LaMont Moss, MD, a psychiatrist at Kaiser Permanente in Colorado, it’s important to guard against an information overload.
"We like to be able to predict what's happening and coming next,” said Dr. Moss. “But there is so much coming out right now, we can find ourselves feeling overwhelmed."
Dr. Moss said too much information can trigger the body’s fight-or-flight response. He said people should watch out for some of these symptoms:
- Anxiety
- Anger
- Stress
- Muscle tension
- Increased heart rate
If you start noticing those symptoms while consuming content, there are a few things you can do.
If you or someone you know is having a mental health emergency, the national 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides confidential human support and is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988.
“When we're beginning to have our thoughts move beyond what we can control, then that's when it’s time for us to take a step back and perhaps consider consuming less of it,” Dr. Moss said.
“News diets” and “tech time-outs” are becoming more popular with his patients, he said. Set limits on when you are consuming social media or news content. Choose a time of day dedicated to information and avoid it at other times of the day.
If you’re feeling stress or anxiety, Dr. Moss said it’s important to reach out to others in your life, such as friends, family, or a behavioral health professional.
“Don't forget that hug,” he said. “You don't have to say anything, but that hug can be so helpful and beneficial just to let you know and let that other person know you're there.”
Connecting over hobbies can also be a great way to grow together, said Dr. Moss.
“In my own family, my wife, son, and I on Fridays started doing something I never would have thought — we play video games now,” he said.
Video games are a great distraction and allow his family to avoid spending too much time thinking about other things going on in the world, Dr. Moss said.
Kaiser Permanente members have additional resources that can help with mindfulness and stopping the “doom scroll.”
Most Kaiser Permanente members can access subscriptions to the Calm and Headspace Care apps at no cost.
Members can explore other virtual and in-person care options on kp.org under Get Care.
