In a world where uncertainty lurks around every corner, where headlines echo with challenges and triumphs alike, there lies an untamed spirit within each of us. It’s a spirit that knows no bounds, a beacon of light that thrives even in the darkest of hours. Welcome to a journey of radiant resilience, where we turn adversity into opportunity, and trials into triumphs.

As the sun rises each morning, so does our resolve to face the day with unwavering determination. In the dance of life’s highs and lows, we find our rhythm, swaying to the beat of our own indomitable hearts. This is a tale of ordinary individuals crafting extraordinary stories, of finding strength in vulnerability, and discovering hope in unexpected places. Join us, for the journey ahead promises not just survival, but a vibrant tapestry of thriving against all odds.

Good news for you

In 2001, I drove to Indiana to be with my mom in her last days, as cancer had overtaken her. That fateful day was 9/11. The trip was emotional. When I arrived, people were glued to the TV, reporting on NYC. Over and over, we watched the same devasting clips of destruction.

For weeks, while dealing with the death of my mom, I found myself sinking. A couple of weeks later, I realized it was the news. I was digesting the realities of life at an overloaded rate.

And it was making me very unhealthy. Mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

When I started Positive News For You, it was in response to the 2016 news cycles and how toxic they were.

Over the years, I have written a lot about negative news and its effects on people. I have studied a lot and come to many conclusions. But who cares about my opinion? Let’s look at some realities..

What are the symptoms of reading negative news stories?

bad news good news

Reading negative news stories can have various effects on individuals, both psychologically and emotionally. Some common symptoms or reactions to consuming negative news stories may include:

Increased Stress and Anxiety: Constant exposure to negative news can lead to heightened levels of stress and anxiety. This is often referred to as “headline stress disorder” or “news fatigue.”

Feelings of Helplessness: Continuous exposure to negative events can make individuals feel powerless or helpless, especially if they feel there’s nothing they can do to change the situation.

Depression or Sadness: Repeatedly reading about tragic or distressing events can lead to feelings of sadness or even depression.

Decreased Sense of Safety: Excessive exposure to negative news can create a perception that the world is more dangerous than it actually is, leading to a decreased sense of personal safety.

Desensitization: Over time, individuals might become desensitized to negative news, meaning they may start to feel less empathy or emotional response to distressing events.

Difficulty Sleeping: Consuming negative news close to bedtime can lead to difficulty falling asleep or disrupted sleep patterns.

Impact on Well-being: Continuous exposure to negative news can have a negative impact on overall well-being, affecting physical and mental health.

Loss of Trust or Faith in Humanity: Repeated exposure to negative events can erode an individual’s trust in humanity or their belief in the goodness of people.

Increased Negativity Bias: People may start to perceive the world as more negative than it actually is, which can affect their overall outlook on life.

Avoidance Behavior: Some individuals may start to avoid the news altogether to protect themselves from the emotional toll of negative stories.

Impact on Social Interactions: Continuous exposure to negative news can influence the way individuals interact with others, potentially leading to increased isolation or withdrawal.

Feelings of Anger or Frustration: Reading about injustice or negative events can lead to feelings of anger or frustration.

It’s important to note that not everyone will experience these symptoms to the same degree, and some individuals may be more resilient to the emotional impact of negative news. However, it’s generally advised to balance consumption of negative news with positive or uplifting content, and to take breaks from news consumption when needed to protect one’s mental and emotional well-being. Additionally, seeking support from friends, family, or mental health professionals can be beneficial if negative news is causing significant distress.

It is not “even steven” because studies show it takes more positive news to offset negative news.

Here is one that many parents do not recognize.

What are the symptoms of children being in negative news situations?

Bad news

Children who are involved in negative news situations, such as accidents, disasters, or traumatic events, can experience a range of emotional and behavioral responses. These reactions may vary based on factors such as the child’s age, personality, prior experiences, and the nature of the event. Here are some potential symptoms or responses children might exhibit:

Emotional Distress:

Fear and Anxiety: Children may exhibit signs of fear, anxiety, or nervousness. They might be more clingy or reluctant to be separated from caregivers.

Sadness and Tearfulness: They may express feelings of sadness, cry more frequently, or have difficulty finding joy in previously enjoyed activities.

Anger or Irritability: Some children might become more irritable, have outbursts of anger, or exhibit mood swings.

Physical Symptoms:

Sleep Disturbances: Children may experience difficulty falling asleep, nightmares, or night terrors. They may also experience changes in appetite.

Stomachaches or Headaches: Stress and anxiety can manifest physically, leading to complaints of stomachaches or headaches.

Regressive Behavior:

Bedwetting or Toileting Accidents: Children who have previously been toilet-trained may revert to bedwetting or have accidents during the day.

Thumb-Sucking or Clinging: Younger children may exhibit behaviors associated with earlier stages of development as a way of seeking comfort and security.

Withdrawal or Avoidance:

Avoidance of Triggers: Children might avoid places, activities, or discussions related to the negative event. They may also avoid talking about it altogether.

Academic or Behavioral Changes:

Drop in Performance: A decline in school performance, including lower grades or difficulty concentrating, may occur.

Disruptive Behavior: Some children may become more disruptive or defiant, particularly if they’re struggling to cope with their emotions.

Recurring Nightmares or Flashbacks:

Re-experiencing Symptoms: In severe cases, children might have intrusive thoughts, nightmares, or flashbacks related to the negative event.

Social and Interpersonal Difficulties:

Isolation: Children may withdraw from social interactions, preferring to spend more time alone or with familiar caregivers.

Difficulty Trusting Others: They may experience a temporary loss of trust in others, especially if the negative event involved people they trusted.

Expression of Guilt or Self-Blame:

Feelings of Responsibility: Children might erroneously believe they played a role in the negative event, leading to feelings of guilt or self-blame.

Regression in Developmental Milestones:

Developmental Setbacks: Young children may temporarily regress in certain developmental milestones, such as speech or motor skills.

It’s important to note that these responses can vary widely among children, and not all children will exhibit the same symptoms. Additionally, children may not always verbalize their feelings, so it’s crucial for caregivers, teachers, and other trusted adults to be observant and offer support and reassurance. If a child’s symptoms persist or worsen over time, seeking professional help from a mental health expert or counselor is advisable.

This is a big deal and you may need or want to check out ACES. 

One of the things I like to do is laugh. If life is messing with me, or trying to stress me out, that is what they make the Three Stooges for! (Or I listen to John Crist!) And honestly, that means I have to walk another line. Head to another place. Here is a bit of that.

What are the symptoms of negative news from a funny perspective?

Funny it is

Viewing negative news from a funny perspective doesn’t mean making light of serious situations but rather finding humor as a coping mechanism or a way to process difficult information. Here are some humorous interpretations of how people might react to negative news:

“The Eye Roll and Sigh” Syndrome: This is when you hear a particularly grim headline and respond with an exaggerated eye roll and a dramatic sigh, as if to say, “Oh, come on, world!”

“The Gallows Humor Guffaw”: Sometimes, in the face of bad news, people resort to dark humor. They might crack a joke that’s slightly inappropriate but helps them process the gravity of the situation.

“The ‘We’re Living in a Sitcom’ Snicker”: There are moments when news is so absurd, you can’t help but think you’re living in a comedy show. You might find yourself chuckling at the sheer surrealism of it all.

“The News Bingo Game”: Some people turn watching the news into a game, where they predict what outrageous or negative story will come up next. It’s a way of adding an element of unpredictability and humor to a sometimes bleak situation.

“The ‘At Least I’m Not There’ Chuckle”: In the face of a disaster or unfortunate event happening far away, you might find yourself making light of it with comments like, “Well, at least I’m not dealing with that!”

“The Satirical Rant”: This is when you respond to negative news with a mockingly dramatic monologue, perhaps imitating a news anchor or politician, highlighting the absurdity of the situation.

“The ‘Memes to the Rescue’ Reaction”: Humorous memes and GIFs have become a way for people to inject a dose of levity into grim news, offering a moment of relief.

“The ‘Well, That’s One Way to Get Attention’ Chuckle”: Sometimes the audacity or extremeness of certain news stories can be so over the top that it elicits a surprised chuckle.

“The ‘What Can You Do?’ Shrug”: In the face of seemingly unchangeable negative news, some might adopt a resigned, “Well, what can you do?” attitude with a hint of ironic humor.

“The ‘Nervous Laughter’ Response”: When confronted with particularly distressing news, some people might nervously laugh as a way to release tension and process the information.

Remember, humor is a subjective and personal response, and what’s funny to one person might not be to another. It’s important to be mindful of the context and the feelings of others, especially when dealing with sensitive or tragic situations.

Life is too short not to look somewhere else when bad things are happening. (At the writing of this, Ukraine is under attack. Israel is under attack. Guatemala is faced with the loss of power and fuel. And the elections for president are heating up. And of course, there is a lot that is painful to watch.) It does not make us Pollyanna, but it marks us as people who are working hard to keep their peace, maintain a place of goodness, to extend a hand to others.

So, let us embark on this journey together, hand in hand, with heads held high and hearts wide open. Embrace the challenges, for they are the crucible that shapes our character. Seize the opportunities, for they are the stepping stones to our brightest futures. Together, we shall forge a path of resilience, leaving an indelible mark on the world. Join us, and let’s illuminate the world with our unwavering spirit. It’s time to rise, to thrive, and to inspire. The adventure awaits. Will you heed the call?