Flood of TV news distressing to many

During the war in the Middle East, Operation Desert Storm, many individuals experienced psychological distress that resulted from their immersion in the constant flood of news about the war.

A new phenomenon emerged – instantaneous feedback as television brought news around the clock. Many individuals became increasingly anxious and depressed, experiencing difficulty in sleeping, eating and concentrating. Relationships with those around them were affected as anxiety about the war intruded on their thinking and functionally immobilized them.

Now I am observing a similar phenomenon in the negative news about the nation’s economy. Like the obsession with war news, affected individuals seem drawn to any report or discussion about economic change, whether it be positive or negative. Conversations with these people quickly turn to “how badly things are going.” Instead of focusing on positive strategies for dealing with these changes, they sink into a repetitive cycle of negative thinking, which in turn leads to self-fulfilling prophecy in a downward spiral.

As this escalates their own sense of helplessness and hopelessness, it produces more stress. Insomnia, eating disorders (too much or too little), impaired relationships, escapes into alcohol or drug abuse, preoccupation with unrealistic fantasies of escape and at times complete detachment and withdrawal from the world around them take place.

Mental health professionals, fortunately, have found ways to help individuals with the so-called CNN syndrome, which adversely affected a great number during the war. Many of these principles can be applied to the economic pressures currently being felt.

• Seek conversation and interaction with those who tend to be more balanced in their thinking. Avoid being drawn to others who feel compelled to dwell on the negative.

• Continue to remind yourself of the cyclical nature of business and the resiliency of human beings and their innate survive instincts.

• Avoid the tendency to believe options are limited. Instead by flexible and consider many possible alternatives, even those that may seem distasteful and unacceptable at the time.

• Practice stress management techniques. Exercise, eat properly, relax, gain support from friends and family. Ask for spiritual guidance.

• Consider professional counseling if the obsessions remain for a long period of time.

Remember, we can’t change the direction of the wind, but we can adjust the set of our sails. I will be pursuing this subject in future columns.

Copyright c 1991 Harold H. LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D.