What is Headline Stress Disorder?

How to Cope If You’re Struggling

If you’re struggling with this kind of dread, you’re certainly not alone. Research shows that, on average, people spend about 6.5 hours online each day⁽¹⁾. You may be spending more time than you realize consuming news media. With that, there’s a good chance you’re regularly exposed to sensationalized headlines featuring everything from catastrophic tragedies to political instability to natural disasters.

There’s just no shortage of distressing content available. And while headline stress disorder isn’t an official diagnosis, it’s becoming an increasingly popular term to describe the perpetual anxiety and emotional dysregulation that coincides with news consumption. Here’s how it can feel and what you can do about it:

Symptoms of Headline Stress Disorder

Digital technology has undoubtedly revolutionized how we access information, making it easier than ever to stay informed. But constant exposure comes with significant consequences and information overload can perpetuate deep anxiety and despair.

The concept of ‘headline stress disorder’ is fairly recent and was first defined in a mainstream article written by Dr. Steven Stosny posted in 2017. Symptoms may vary, but they typically mirror those of other anxiety symptoms, including:

Increased sense of anxiety and worry about current events: You may find yourself preoccupied with distressing news stories, ruminating about worst-case scenarios, and just feeling a heightened sense of dread about the future.

Sleep problems and feelings of restlessness: Exposure to negative news (especially at night) can make it challenging to unwind and settle down.

Pervasive feelings of despair or hopelessness about the state of the world: Bad news can certainly coincide with feelings of powerlessness, and it can feel as if no action or change will make much of a difference.

Feelings of cognitive overload and not knowing which media channels to trust: Unfortunately, with so much conflicting information available, it feels difficult to discern what’s actually accurate- this can lead to decision fatigue and heightened anxiety.

Ongoing need to ‘doomscroll: Doomscrolling refers to excessively consuming negative news to maintain a sense of control. However, the cycle is vicious- the more information you seek, the more stressed or out-of-control you may feel.

How to Cope If You’re Struggling With News Coverage or Social Media Overload

While anxiety is a normal emotion, headline stress disorder can insidiously affect your quality of life. Over time, you may become increasingly irritable, anxious, and overwhelmed, causing your personal relationships and emotional well-being to suffer. In many cases, this kind of anxiety can also exacerbate other mental health concerns, including depression, low self-esteem, dissociation, and substance use.

While you may wish to stay connected to current events, it’s equally important to recognize how constant exposure to media can affect your well-being. Here are some tips to mitigate the risks of information overload:

Limit Your News Consumption

Staying informed about the world is important, but feeling overwhelmed 24/7 certainly isn’t benefiting your mental health. With that, it may be worth setting boundaries around how and when you engage with the news.

Set time limits around social media interaction: Designate specific times for checking the news or being online. Using timers can be really helpful, especially if you struggle with doomscrolling or turning to your phone anytime you feel bored or restless.

Consider only following a few designated news sources: Social media platforms are rarely reputable for trustworthy news. They often rely on sensationalized content that induces fear. It may be better to intentionally seek information from outlets that offer more balanced or neutral perspectives.

Set designated phone-free times and spaces: Sometimes it’s important to disconnect from media entirely. Consider picking 1-2 days a week to avoid consuming any news. Or choose a few hours during the day when you avoid looking at your phone altogether.

Engage in Positive News

Not all news is bad news, and it can feel gratifying to deliberately seek out uplifting stories occurring around the world.

Aim to follow outlets that evoke a sense of joy, curiosity, or deeper meaning. For example, you can stay connected to feel-good accounts like Upworthy, Good News Network, or The Happy Newspaper. Or opt to connect with brands/influencers that make you feel positive about yourself and your local community.

Focus on What You Can Control

Negative news can make it feel like everything is doomed, and it can trigger immense feelings of helplessness and rage. These feelings are valid, but chronic powerlessness can also perpetuate stress. On the other hand, focusing on taking meaningful, action-oriented steps can foster a greater sense of individual empowerment.

Take action where possible: Donate to causes that align with your values and consider getting involved with volunteering. While this may not “fix” your anxiety, it can certainly foster a sense of individual empowerment.

Prioritize your self-care: Taking care of yourself sometimes is the best act of resistance, especially if you’re feeling overwhelmed. While it’s certainly valid to feel worried about the world, it also helps to prioritize nurturing your relationships and engage in activities that support your well-being.

Seek Professional Support

Anxiety disorders come in many shapes and forms, and headline stress can magnify preexisting anxiety symptoms. The truth is that even if you want to stop engaging in technology this way, you may still find yourself compulsively checking social media or reading the news.

Therapy can offer you support and guidance as you reevaluate your relationship with the media. You have space to explore your triggers, underlying patterns, and fears without judgment. Over time, this can help you make important, sustainable changes in your daily life.

Final Thoughts

It may be wired into our basic human behavior to pay more attention to bad news than good news. And from an evolutionary framework, having this type of anxiety may help ensure our survival.

With that in mind, it’s crucial to know your limits and take good care of them. Social media has both positive and negative consequences. You truly owe it to yourself to evaluate the role it plays in your life.

Sources

1. Average daily time spent using the internet by online users worldwide from 3rd quarter 2015 to 3rd quarter 2024 (2025, February). Statista. Retrieved from: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1380282/daily-time-spent-online-global/.
2. Overcoming Headline Stress Disorder (2017, March). Psychology Today. Retrieved from: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/anger-in-the-age-entitlement/201703/overcoming-headline-stress-disorder.