Why You Should Stop Doomscrolling

You pick up your phone or log on to your laptop. Before you know it, you’re immersed in the worst news of the day, from COVID-19 deaths to political turmoil.

Social media, health experts and others have been using a new term for being drawn to disaster online: doomscrolling. The experience can make you feel anxious, sad and uncertain about the future. 

Still, it can be hard to stop. Doomscrolling often kicks off a negative cycle. The intense emotions this behavior brings on make it more difficult to sleep, eat and focus on daily activities. You may then head back online, hoping to regain a sense of control and ease your anxieties.

The solution isn’t to ignore important news or disable your Wi-Fi. Instead, rein in the online negativity with these healthy tips.

  • Track your time. Use an app or paper log to note exactly how long you’re on your screens and where you’re spending those hours. Ask yourself whether the results align with what you find most meaningful.
  • Set a schedule. Don’t keep social media and news sites open all the time. Instead, designate specific times during the day to read the news or check your feeds.
  • Avoid alerts. Turn off notifications and keep your apps on silent. Try consuming some news via traditional outlets — such as newspapers — instead.
  • Clean your feed. Notice which people and sites make you feel the most anxious or sad. Mute, unfollow or stay away online. Instead, seek out communities or causes that inspire joy and connection. This might be an online group related to a hobby or culture, or an app to communicate with faraway friends.
  • Offset screen time. Balance the time you spend on social media with offline activities to reduce stress. These include getting together with friends, walking on a trail or practicing deep-breathing exercises.

Finally, give thanks. Gratitude has been shown to improve mood and increase resilience. Use your feeds to post daily lists of positive experiences. Or spread joy by, for instance, leaving positive online restaurant reviews.

Sometimes you just need someone to talk to. Find a licensed therapist or Mental Health provider who’s right for you by contacting WellConnect at 812.376.5136.

View All Success Stories
CRH banner

CRH News

  • Columbus Regional Health and Cigna Healthcare Reach Coverage Agreement

    Jul 3, 2025, 15:10 by DeClue, A.
    Columbus Regional Health is pleased to announce that we have reached an agreement with Cigna Healthcare. Columbus Regional Health is in network with Cigna commercial medical plans.
    Full story
  • Statement Regarding Recent Closure Announcements

    Jun 30, 2025, 18:15 by DeClue, A.
    Due to mounting financial pressures, Columbus Regional Health has made the difficult decision to close its Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit, as well as outpatient practice, CRH Orthopedics and Sports Medicine.
    Full story
  • Introducing CarePayment -- A Friendly Payment Plan Option

    Jun 26, 2025, 09:09 by DeClue, A.
    You may be eligible for a CarePayment plan if you or someone you are a guarantor for has a current payment plan with terms over 12 months.
    Full story
  • Columbus Regional Health Announces New Foundation President

    Jun 22, 2025, 18:15 by DeClue, A.
    Columbus Regional Health is pleased to announce that Tanya Hand has accepted the role of president of Columbus Regional Health Foundation. She will start in the position on June 30, 2025. Hand will replace current president, Julie Abedian, who announced her plan to retire as Executive Vice President and Chief Community Impact Officer and as CRH Foundation President, effective August 21, 2025.
    Full story
  • First EV-ICD Procedure Performed at CRH

    May 13, 2025, 13:42 by Newton, A.
    Congratulations to cardiac electrophysiologist Albert Sey, MD, MPH, and cardiothoracic surgeon Gregory Dedinsky, MD, FACS, on performing the first Extra Vascular Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (EV-ICD) procedure at CRH, with support from Surgical and Cardiac Cath Lab staff! The EV-ICD procedure treats sudden cardiac arrest and abnormal heartbeats with defibrillation and special pacing therapy.
    Full story
  • Cigna Health Plans Soon to be Out-of-Network

    May 13, 2025, 08:10 by DeClue, A.
    This means patients insured by Cigna would be subject for out-of-network fees for services rendered through any CRH facility or physician office.
    Full story