NBC reported in October of 2022 that a series of universities and institutes have attributed doom and gloom news stories to a decline in mental health. With news outlets reporting war, disease, and other frightening stories, it can be difficult to look on the bright side of things. Lesley Alderman wrote for the Washington Post that many of her patients began to appear tired and disengaged with the world, which she dubbed ‘hope fatigue.’

Hope fatigue and doom scrolling, another issue that wreaks havoc on mental health, can cause people to feel anxious, apathetic about world events, and burnt out. The American Psychological Association (APA) describes doom scrolling as the act of spending excessive amounts of time reading negative news stories that increase stress and anxiety. There is a solution, however, as hope fatigue and doom scrolling can be addressed. Alderman continues by suggesting that one could take a break from reading the news, even if it is for a little while. However, to many it can be frustrating that they cannot fix the issues plaguing the world. Focusing on the issues that can be promptly fixed can help reduce the effects of media burnout. Mayo Clinic reports that doing activities such as community service can boost not only mental, but also physical health.

In reality, the world will always have its issues as it is the intrinsic fact of life. Despite all this, it is important that America and humanity as a whole remain optimistic. Optimism is the flame that drives nations and people to be better. It is imperative that the mental health of many be maintained in the name of that optimism. America has always been a nation that desires to improve upon and fix the injustices of the past, and because of that, America and its people must maintain hope for the future. Don’t lose hope, and don’t doom scroll too much.