We often talk about the impact journalism has on democracy, public debate and what we understand about the world. But what about its impact on how we feel?
To mark World Mental Health Day on 10 October, we’ve brought together reflections from Positive News readers about how changing the stories they consume has changed how they experience the world.
From easing anxiety and restoring perspective to helping people feel hopeful and motivated to act, these are their experiences of finding a different kind of news diet.
‘In a tsunami of negativity we need the grounding that comes from Positive News,’ says reader Mustafa. Image: GaudiLab
When the news feels overwhelming
“The overwhelmingly negative mainstream news batters our consciousness and creates a miasma of despair … That’s why I need Positive News, to remind me that the world is a good place and we are all worth fighting for.” – Kay
“I am nearly 73. Did not feel good about the world. When I found your site by accident, I felt more able to cope with the world … When I wake up it is the first thing I read. Thank you for saving me.” – Mo
“If I didn’t [read your journalism], the state of the world through the news and social media would have me paralysed with despair! I need to see something is positive and helpful in the world to be able to see a way forward for myself and my children.” – Naava
A balance that helps to restore perspective
“In a tsunami of negativity we need the grounding that comes from Positive News.” – Mustafa
“Getting my copy of Positive News through the letterbox always feels like such a RELIEF. I can’t tell you how important it is for my mental health as a counterbalance to all the negative stories we’re immersed in most of the time. It feels like a course of fresh, delicious organic vegetables after a gluttony of toxic junk food!” – Anna
“As a magazine subscriber I consider reading it part of my mental health strategy. I read your publication because I believe the negative news bias is detrimental to myself and humanity.” – Kirsty
“This has made me feel like I can breathe again!” – Holly
“Every November I give up reading any news except good news! It’s great for my mental health.” – Rosemary
‘We have grandchildren and we have to stay hopeful for them, as well as for ourselves,’ says reader Joanna. Image: Halfpoint
Remembering that the worst stories aren’t the only ones
“Positive News to me is not only a sanctuary where I can stay and recover from the anxiety that other journalism has the capacity to generate, but it is also a place where I can find hope.” – Amanda
“I regularly loan out copies when someone needs to recalibrate; to shift from constant anxiety that the world has fallen into a pit and understand that this couldn’t be further from the truth.” – Naomi
“Very grateful to you Positive News, you have kept me afloat on many a dark night of the soul.” – Jen
I support Positive News because I need a more balanced representation of the world
Moving from hope to action
“I support Positive News because I need a more balanced representation of the world. Only hearing about what’s wrong in the world is not good for my mental health and does not inspire me to take positive action. Positive News does.” – Ron
“Solutions-oriented media is like pure water for the inner flower. The joy and hope it provides transform into a sense of purpose and the strength to bring about change.” – Saga
“I think that for our emotional wellbeing and for the future of the world it’s really important that we can see possible solutions and actual changes… We have grandchildren and we have to stay hopeful for them, as well as for ourselves.” – Joanna
Main image: GaudiLab
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