Published on 12, July, 2020
Since the Palestine/Israel conflict began, I've stopped reading the news (I don't watch TV or listen to the radio, anyway).
This is to protect my mental health as my responses to the various conflicts in the world tend to either be anger or distress.
I've never done this before but for several decades of my life news wasn't so readily available.
The internet changed all that.
I don't know how long I will be able to isolate myself in this way, but I had become rather addicted to the BBC news website, constantly updating it to see the latest.
Does this resonate with anyone?
When I was younger I got involved in things I cared about.
I remember putting Amnesty International posters up in my 6th Form + the teachers taking them back down again.
I supported CND and was a member (+ typed the local newsletter), went on Anti Apartheid marches, boycotted South Africa + onwards and upwards as priorities changed.
I've always been quite politically minded too although I haven't actually joined a party.
I do really care how this country is run and by whom + also other countries.
So, because of all this, I feel guilty now not following the news.
I feel that it demonstrates that I don't care.
I sort of feel an obligation to follow it and to be knowledgeable.
However, the input on this thread is invaluable as I'm realising that maybe it's that I care 'too much' + that I need to care a little more for myself.
Thank you everyone.
I stopped watching the news regularly during the Scottish independence referendum because atmosphere was so horrible and it’s done my wellbeing a lot of good. Occasionally look at news websites but nothing more.
No point in getting upset about things we cannot change.
I was watching the news all the time when COVID was happening, just to find some hope to hold onto. I was using Twitter a lot more too so I was seeing everything.
I struggled to find the balance of being aware of what's going on in the world and not letting it completely consume you. It's not that I don't care, but I also know it'll just stress me out if I'm following absolutely everything.
This resonates with me too
I used to look at the news all the time I was always interested in knowing what's going on but it did start to affect my mental health and I didn't realise what a trigger it become for me
My mental health team and therapist advised me to stop looking at the news as it was affecting me bad
I don't miss it too be honest I feel happier and calmer now
This resonates with me. I remember back when Covid first hit and the news was inundated with all of it. Everytime I looked anywhere I'd see some sort of scary headline would set me off onto an anxiety trip or panic attack. I'd had to detach and stop following all news outlets and so forth then to protect my mental well being. This became my new normal and I never really went back to looking at it which I'm grateful for now especially.