By Herbert Harman, M.D.
Suicide bombers massacre more than a 100 people at a peace rally in Turkey. A stray bullet fired during a drive-by shooting in Baltimore kills a 3-year old girl. And, in our backyard, a disturbed young man murders nine at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg.
Tragic events have always been a part of the human experience, and instant communication of such events has been possible for decades. Social media, however, has made even the most remote occurrences of violence ever-present.
For example, we could be in line at the grocery store, viewing our phone to see if a friend posted that photo she told us about, when a streaming video appears of someone we have never met being assaulted by someone we don’t know in a town in which we have never been.
Although FBI data show violent crime is decreasing, with similar trends outside the U.S., most people perceive it to be the opposite. It might be that we are now more fearful than ever because the sights and sounds of horrific violence – worldwide – are part of our everyday lives.
So, what does this mean for our mental health?
Despite the many benefits of instant communication, it may also be contributing to, or even causing, mood and anxiety disorders. A study published in The Archives of General Psychiatry in 2009 found that adolescents who consume more television were more likely to become depressed. This was not the case for adolescents who played more video games or listened to more radio, the study said.
In essence, there is a lot we still don’t know.
However, giving ourselves permission to take a break from news media that highlight tragic events might be one key to prevention of mental health problems. A Stanford University study shows that time spent unplugged and surrounded by nature can improve our mood and decrease worry. It might just help remind us that the world is not as violent or as dangerous as newscasts tend to lead us to believe.
With depression being the leading cause of suffering and disability globally, it might be equally if not more important to highlight efforts at preventing depressive illness before it becomes necessary to treat it. If you have been feeling more depressed or anxious and you want to find a method for preventing a major depressive episode or avoid having a panic attack, it would be wise to consider turning your television off, putting your phone down and going for a walk or a hike with a good friend. The news and your email inbox will be there when you get back.
I promise.
Herbert Harman, M.D., is a psychiatrist at The Corvallis Clinic. He can be reached at 541-754-1288.
