Constant exposure to distressing news can fuel anxiety. Experts explain why doom scrolling is so addictive—and what you can do to protect your mental health.
Canadians Grapple with Anxiety Amid Relentless News Cycle
As tragic headlines dominate news feeds—from climate crises and war casualties to rising overdose deaths—mental health professionals say more Canadians are feeling emotionally exhausted and overwhelmed. This constant stream of negative information is contributing to widespread anxiety, a phenomenon increasingly linked to the habit of doom scrolling.
Mental Health Concerns Rise Nationwide
Kaci-Ann Phillips, a registered counsellor based in Kamloops, B.C., says global events are now a regular topic in her therapy sessions. “More and more people are naming economic instability, political conflict, and climate anxiety as sources of distress,” she said. According to Phillips, the sheer volume and accessibility of bad news are overstimulating the nervous system, keeping individuals in a prolonged fight-or-flight state.
The Psychology Behind Doom scrolling
Experts say doom scrolling—the compulsive urge to read and refresh distressing news—is driven by the brain’s instinct to seek control in times of uncertainty. “It’s a coping mechanism that backfires,” Phillips explained. “People scroll hoping to feel more informed or prepared, but instead, it deepens their anxiety and sense of helplessness.”
Boundaries as a Solution
Mental health experts recommend setting strict boundaries around media consumption. “It’s important to ask yourself whether the news you’re consuming helps you act meaningfully—or simply adds to your stress,” said Phillips. Limiting exposure to designated times, turning off push notifications, and scheduling screen-free periods are some ways to reclaim balance.
Acknowledge, Don’t Suppress, Emotions
Counsellor Bradley, who also works with anxiety-affected clients, stresses the importance of emotional awareness. “Label what you’re feeling—fear, sadness, helplessness. Those emotions are valid and come from empathy,” she said. Recognizing these emotions, rather than pushing them aside, can reduce their intensity and make them easier to manage.
Practical Tools to Manage Overload
To reduce the mental toll of grim headlines, Phillips advises three key steps:
- Focus on small, controllable tasks to restore a sense of agency.
- Connect with community and loved ones to build emotional resilience.
- Create calm, through nature, mindfulness, or light exercise.
Bradley adds that staying connected to others not only counters isolation but also provides perspective. “Solutions come through relationships. They help us remember we’re not facing these challenges alone.”
Informed, Not Overwhelmed
While disengaging entirely from the news may not be realistic—or responsible—experts say Canadians must adopt healthier ways of engaging with the world. “We need to strike a balance,” Phillips concluded. “You can stay informed without sacrificing your mental health.”
Mental health professionals encourage Canadians to be intentional with their attention, guard their emotional bandwidth, and treat self-care as essential—not optional—in today’s information-heavy world.
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