Limit Exposure to Bad News by Turning Off the Television

by Renette Wardlow

Each and every day TV shrinks the world and brings it into our living rooms. A study by Mediascope reported that 57 percent of the American public thinks that television news gives too much attention to stories about violent crime and disaster. In this study, half of those polled said that they turned the TV off or changed the channel to prevent their family members from seeing something on the news.

"Think of TV as a stranger in your home," recommends Jerome L. Singer, Ph.D., co-director of the Yale University Family Television Research and Consultation Center in New Haven, Connecticut. He adds, "We have to decide under what circumstances we want the stranger in our house." It can be very important to your mental health to limit your exposure to the news and other television programs about tragic events.

Keep peace of mind

The question now becomes, "How do we stay calm in our changing world?" The world has changed for all of us, and
anxiety is a normal response. Every day we hear about war, violence, drugs, child abductions and we shouldn’t feel embarrassed about feeling fearful as a result. The problem is that, we now have to live our lives in a changing world. Yet, we have a choice!! We can become paralyzed by our anxiety or we can figure out how to live a safe, full life.

The important thing is that you take care of yourself and try to remain calm as images of death and destruction flash before your eyes. Here are some tips for taking control in a world where it seems you often have little control:

• Take steps to keep safe. Rather than becoming panicky about news reports on disastrous events, become knowledgeable on what you would do in different emergency situations. Prepare your home for emergencies or disasters. Think of concrete steps you can take to stay safe rather than allowing yourself to be swept up in anxiety about what might happen.

• Spend time with family and friends. Talking with your loved ones about what is happening is helpful for both you and them. And spending time getting your mind off current events is also helpful. Family and friends remind you what is important in life and help you feel loved and secure.

• Get help if you need it. If you find yourself unable to function or if you are concerned about your level of anxiety, talk to a professional. Specific problem signs include sleep difficulties, loss of appetite, loss of interest in your usual activities, irritability, obsessive thoughts, overwhelming guilt, and difficulty concentrating.

• Control your exposure to the news; don't let the news control you. It may be tempting to keep the television or radio on all the time, but try reducing your news intake and see if it reduces your anxiety. Set specific guidelines for yourself regarding your news intake each day. Decide whether you will watch, read or listen to the news. Decide how long and when you will do it. You may also find that reading the news rather than watching it will keep you informed without overloading your emotions.

• Take time to enjoy yourself. It's not wrong to have fun even in difficult times. Take time to return to hobbies or pursuits you have enjoyed in the past. If you’re having trouble feeling happy or having fun, it may be time to talk to a counselor about how you’re feeling.
  Article reprinted from Silver Threads with permission of Kris Jenkins, editor, University of Missouri Extension. Copyright © 2003-2006 The Curators of the University of Missouri.

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