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What may be considered a kind of "trigger event" in someone's suicide could include the revelation of some terrible natural disaster or something which could easily be considered as a mirror of a nations political hopelessness. Most of our TV news is now made up of opinion pieces, group commentary, and large doses of some old fashioned propaganda. I'd think that anyone who would be severely disturbed by such exposure may be in some type of psychological dire straits already, many with an unhealthy fear of things not getting better, or at the least, suffering an overwhelming sense of personal defeat.
In my neighborhood we have an aging gent (an ex airline pilot) who watches Fox News 24/7, whenever I meet up with him he is agitated to the extent that he seems a bit unstable, his eyes are darting about as he speaks, his hands are flying in the air as he tells me of the world's end times, and how the liberals are taking us down to a hellish state of perdition, his wife usually liberates his captive audience by telling him his lunch or dinner is getting cold. She has told me that he sits for long periods just staring out the window with tears running down his cheeks, a sad man, who would be so much better off just taking a walk, I, and others worry about his mental health.
I think it is not unusual that DH and I have different needs when it comes to news. He gets stressed when he does not know what is going on in the world whereas too much coverage stresses me. So I never have the tv on when home alone. He would always have it on when I am out.
The balance has been worse during the pandemic. We do have two televisions as well as numerous devices but I will not have any in the bedroom. The worst problem in Australia, as far as I am concerned, is that the quite successful efforts to control the virus have resulted in a degree of parochialism that is threatening our whole nation. Borders are still shut, certain premiers are demanding a month of no cases at all to open them and people are suffering emotionally and socially. I find this truly depressing whereas DH seems to be able to compartmentalise his mind. He doesn’t like it any more than me but it doesn’t affect him overall.
We have to compromise constantly. Will be better as the weather warms as right now we still like the nice spot in front of the fireplace. Soon downstairs will be a more agreeable place to be.
I think the media has always fixated on mostly negative, headline grabbing news. They are after all, a business. No viewers equals no money coming in. There is a bombardment of news these days compared to decades ago but that's not because there is more negative news, it's just that there are so many ways to deliver the news these days. Speaking for myself, I do get tired of the same stories betting played out over and over again. I just gotta remember to keep things in perspective and not watch too much of it. Not sure if the news is contributing to depression or suicide. Suicide rates tend to fluctuate and it's hard to tell exactly what's causing it. The world has always had problems and life has always been stressful. I don't think the present day is that bad compared to most times in history.
"Although it is stressful to hear or read about all the things going on plus my own worries, I still want to know....hopefully to understand."
There is no understanding or useful discourse. The spectrum of opinions, which used to run a wide gamut, has been reduced to barbell-like extreme positions. There is no middle ground or room for anything but an extreme position.
I stopped watching all news broadcasts several years ago. I also don't watch pseudo-news and opinion shows. Immediate improvement in mental and physical health.
I dash through the headlines on wsj.com and ft.com. I only read the headlines. Gives me enough information on a broad range of topics.
I won't discuss politics or the weather with friends and family.
I think I'm happier than most of my friends and family.
Try it.
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