Are you feeling drained from the constant influx of news? Learn more about the technical term for this and how you can hope to combat it.
The scientific term for this detachment we feel is psychic numbing. University of Oregon psychologist Dr. Paul Slovic explains:
- When we come across data and numbers, the emotional part of our brain shuts off and we become more detached.
- When we face a momentous problem, we feel hopeless. What can 1 person do to make a difference?
To overcome psychic numbing, Dr. Slovic advises us to connect with the victims, not with the numbers. If you’re reading about a shooting in the news and it doesn’t engage you emotionally, spend time reading about its victims. What was their story? What did they look like?
Another way you can engage emotionally is by encouraging yourself to connect with your feelings prior to reading an article on a shooting.
However, you don’t have to—and probably shouldn’t—stay engaged with difficult issues all the time. Allow yourself to take a break if you’re feeling overwhelmed and sad.
How can you help?
Dr. Slovic recommends keeping the momentum going by making a formal commitment and joining forces with others.
Source: nytimes.com