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Doomscrolling in the Age of Political Change

News, on Feb 15, 2025

If you’ve been feeling increasing uncertainty over the last few months or so, you’re not alone. The US is on the verge of a national panic attack. Anxiety is raging in the country because of many situations, not the least of which includes the political furor following the re-election of Donald Trump. Increasing costs of living, an unusual upturn in natural disasters, and fears of international conflict are all throwing gasoline on the fires of worry and stress.

It’s reasonable for all of us to be concerned, but for many of us, natural levels of concern are shading into a fixation on bad news. Bad social media habits aren’t helping.

Doomscrolling, endlessly scrolling through negative news online, has become the norm instead of the exception. Even if you haven’t heard of doomscrolling, you may be doing it.

How Does Doomscrolling Start?

Flipping through your news feeds on social media and being exposed to upsetting information isn’t quite the same thing as doomscrolling. A person who’s doomscrolling pays significantly more attention to negative news and comes to seek it out compulsively. Before long, a doomscroller considers only distressing information to be important.

None of this disaster-focused behavior is deliberate. No one sets out to turn themselves into a doomscroller. It happens for a variety of reasons which all people may be vulnerable to.

For instance, there’s the perception that facing our fears makes us stronger, and that’s true. However, the point of confronting what scares us is to diminish its power over us. Doomscrolling does the opposite. People feel less and less capable of coping the more they sift the news for the worst possible information.

Another contributor to focusing on scary events and situations is the idea that forewarned is forearmed. By knowing more about what’s going on, we may feel like we can exert some control over the situation, and that’s often true; the more you know about high-impact situations that may affect you, the more you can do to avoid or soften any blow that might be coming your way.
However, this only works if you really can control a situation. Much of what we see in our social media feeds is not within our ability to control, at least not completely.

Again, the point of making yourself aware of situations that might affect you is to empower yourself to survive and thrive, not scare yourself into passivity.

Finally, fear of missing out—the dreaded FOMO—compels many of us to soak up nightmare fuel from social media simply because everyone we know is likewise acting compulsively.

Doomscrolling and US Politics

National interest in politics has steadily increased since 2016, which would be great…except for all the doomscrolling. The general election of 2024 had a bigger turnout than any other in over a century, and the 2024 election was not far behind. Obviously, the rise of Donald Trump’s star in national politics has roiled the news and continues to do so. Every day there’s a new and potentially life-affecting change or changes coming from the White House and the new  disruptor-in-chief.

Naturally, social media latches onto these electric topics and spins them—and never positively. You’ve probably heard “If it bleeds it leads,” and social media is no different. Bad news makes a splash and gets clicks and these days, it’s not just political junkies who take the doomscrolling hit.

Breaking the Doomscrolling Cycle

Doomscrolling can be changed or eliminated, like any other bad habit. These are just a few ways to stop looking for the worst:

     Set and observe boundaries with technology: Don’t try to eliminate all your social media use—going “cold turkey” is a sure way to fail. Instead, moderate your time spent on social media and news. Also, set a few guidelines for yourself—no news media or any other source of doomscrolling within an hour of bedtime, for example.

     Challenge yourself by asking questions: When you doomscroll, ask yourself how the information you’re taking in will help you. Can you change the situation? Can you take action that will reduce your risk of harm from whatever it is? If the information doesn’t empower you or fuel your contentment, ask yourself if not knowing it would affect your life.

     Be mindful of your media consumption: Doomscrolling is like eating snacks—once you start, it’s easy to keep on consuming; thinking is not required. When you’re using your media feeds, pause when you move from story to story and wait a few seconds before moving to the next. These pauses can help you pay attention to why you’re scrolling.

Conclusion

Doomscrolling is the compulsive consumption of the most disturbing parts of social media while scrolling through one’s feeds. It aggravates depression and anxiety while increasing feelings of helplessness. Doomscrolling can be eliminated by behavior modification while making and following healthy boundaries for media consumption.

Works Cited

Blades, R. (2021, March 22). Protecting the brain against bad news. CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association Journal, 193(12), E428–E429. https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.1095928

Carr, D. (2020, June 29). What is doomscrolling? Verywell Mindhttps://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-doomscrolling-5088882

Cleveland Clinic. (2024, July 17). Everything you need to know about doomscrolling (and how to avoid it). Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/everything-you-need-to-know-about-doomscrolling-and-how-to-avoid-it

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FDA Rejects MDMA Approval for Psychedelic Therapy in Mental Health and PTSD

News, on Aug 10, 2024

FDA Decision on MDMA Therapy

What It Means for Mental Health Treatment

In a recent development that has stirred both anticipation and disappointment in the medical community, the FDA has decided not to approve MDMA as a treatment for mental health conditions, including PTSD. This decision marks a significant moment in the evolving landscape of psychedelic-based therapies, raising questions about the future of MDMA-assisted treatment.

The Promise of MDMA

MDMA, commonly known for its recreational use as ecstasy, has been at the forefront of discussions about psychedelic-assisted therapy. Clinical trials have shown promising results, suggesting that MDMA can play a crucial role in alleviating symptoms of PTSD and other mental health disorders. These studies have reported that patients undergoing MDMA-assisted therapy experienced substantial improvements in their symptoms, with some even reporting long-term relief after just a few sessions.

The FDA's Stance

Despite the promising data, the FDA's recent decision to reject MDMA for use in therapeutic settings reflects a cautious approach to the approval of psychedelic substances. The agency's decision underscores the necessity for a rigorous review process to ensure the safety and efficacy of new treatments. Concerns likely revolve around the need for more comprehensive data on long-term effects, potential risks, and the overall therapeutic context.

The FDA's decision does not entirely close the door on MDMA therapy. Rather, it emphasizes the need for additional research and data to address the agency’s concerns. This approach is consistent with the FDA's historical emphasis on safeguarding public health while ensuring that new treatments meet high standards of evidence.

Impact on Mental Health Treatment

The rejection of MDMA as a treatment option has implications for both patients and researchers. For those suffering from PTSD and other mental health conditions, this decision may delay access to a potentially transformative therapy. However, it also highlights the importance of continued research and development in the field of psychedelic medicine.

The broader context of psychedelic therapy remains dynamic. Other substances, such as psilocybin and ketamine, are also under investigation and have shown potential in clinical settings. These alternatives may offer new avenues for treatment while the research community continues to address the FDA’s concerns about MDMA.

The Road Ahead

For proponents of MDMA-assisted therapy, this decision is a call to action. Researchers and advocates are likely to intensify efforts to generate more comprehensive data and address the FDA’s concerns. The goal is to demonstrate that MDMA can be used safely and effectively in a controlled therapeutic environment.

As the field of psychedelic medicine continues to evolve, the FDA’s decision underscores the need for a balanced approach to innovation and safety. While the approval process can be challenging, it ultimately serves to protect patients and ensure that new treatments offer genuine benefits.

In summary, the FDA’s rejection of MDMA as a psychedelic-based treatment for mental health conditions highlights both the promise and the challenges of integrating psychedelics into mainstream medicine. As research advances and more data becomes available, the future of MDMA and other psychedelic therapies remains a topic of significant interest and ongoing investigation.

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CDC Data Reveals Positive Trends in Youth Mental Health

News, on August 07, 2024

A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), released on August 6, 2024, highlights encouraging developments in the mental health of young people in the United States. The data suggests that, despite ongoing challenges, there are notable improvements in various aspects of youth mental health.

Key Insights from the CDC Report

The CDC’s latest analysis provides a hopeful outlook on the state of mental health among adolescents. Some of the key findings include:

  • Decreased Rates of Persistent Sadness: The report indicates a reduction in the number of high school students experiencing persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. This positive trend suggests that efforts to address mental health issues may be yielding results.

  • Positive Effects of Support Programs: The data points to the effectiveness of mental health support programs and interventions implemented in schools and communities. These initiatives appear to be making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people.

  • Improved Access to Mental Health Resources: There has been progress in improving access to mental health services for adolescents. Increased availability of resources and reduced stigma are contributing to better overall mental health outcomes.

Implications for Parents, Educators, and Policymakers

These positive trends offer valuable insights for those involved in youth development:

  • Parents: The improvements in mental health indicators highlight the importance of continued support and communication with children about their emotional well-being. Engaging in open dialogue and fostering a supportive home environment remains crucial.

  • Educators: Schools are playing a significant role in supporting student mental health. The success of various programs underscores the importance of maintaining and expanding mental health initiatives within educational settings.

  • Policymakers: The positive data underscores the effectiveness of recent policies and programs aimed at enhancing mental health support for youth. Continued investment in mental health resources and support systems will help sustain these improvements.

Looking Ahead: Building on Success

While the data is promising, it is essential to continue building on these positive trends:

  • Expand Successful Programs: Increasing the reach and scope of effective mental health programs can help support more young people and sustain the progress made.

  • Foster Continued Awareness: Maintaining awareness and education about mental health will help ensure that improvements are not only recognized but also reinforced over time.

  • Support Ongoing Research: Continued research into the factors contributing to improved mental health can provide valuable insights and guide future initiatives.

Conclusion

The CDC’s latest report brings a message of optimism regarding youth mental health, highlighting significant improvements and the positive impact of targeted interventions. By recognizing these advancements and continuing to support and expand effective programs, we can work towards even better mental health outcomes for future generations.

For a detailed look at the CDC’s findings and more information, visit the full report here.