[CedarS]

I've been without a television since April. I get my news online, newspapers, and radio. Occasionally I watch some TV at a friend's house. Each time I am amazed by how very dramatic and even traumatic much news is presented, I feel as if I've never seen television before.

I assumed that radio news would be much easier to deal with, after all, no images right? But I've learned that I as listener am often filling in my own movies, I can "see" the stories in my mind. Also learned that audio can be just as impactful.

I'm thinking on how to deal with news, I am also interested in how you all deal. Do we end up feeling overwhelmed and triggered? Can we find ways to moderate our use and avoid triggers?

For myself, I work on being calm about it all as much as possible, I'm not going to make a big dramatic upset about my reactions. Shouting at the television and radio might make me feel momentarily better, but it will %#@&#! my neighbors off, and in the long run wind me up too much.

I have known for a long time to avoid 911 tapes. I appreciate it when news shows warn before use of them. Today while listening to radio, NPR, a clip was used of a traumatic event behind the spoken reading of the news, no warning given to us.

I also don't do well with long dramatic re-enactments. I figure I really don't need to be taken into such stories of crisis and pain.

Sometimes news touches me, sometimes I end up in tears, to a certain extent, that is fine with me. It is the way of the world. But to take it further than that and damage my day would not serve anyone.

Doing a quick survey of this theme in various articles online shows me that control is an important issue. We can pay attention to what influences are in our environment, we can monitor what works for us and what does not, and we can certainly exercise helpful control with the use of a remote. Changing the channel, turning things off, can be the best technique of all.

Sarah

[(JD)]

As you may have read, I do not "do" news! I have some experience with the radio media and learned about many of their tactics. Today's news media are rarely "news" reporters but more like news creators... the media is one of the biggest aspects of terrorism in the world today, imo. The need and trend to sensationalize rather than just speak is wasted on me. I might catch updates and local ongoing efforts of real news from the PBS channel, and local learning channel.

[CedarS]

Definitely wise for all of us to figure out what works best for us and do that, rather than let info-tainment carry us away.

I like the strategy of being aware of what stuff is coming at us, and controlling the flow of whatever we can. I guess it is a form of media literacy, to be aware of what makes up television programs etc., and to make choices as to what we will be exposed to.

Sarah

[obsids]

One of my scariest triggers is political news. I had a nervous breakdown after the presidential election last year. So no TV, no radio news, no google news for me. I scan the headlines of the morning paper, but otherwise, I try to stay focused on only the things that affect me right here in my immediate surroundings.

[bipolar_bear]

I am not much of a news person. My husband watches it and keeps me informed about the news that won't trigger me.

[CedarS]

</font><blockquote><div id="quote"><font class="small">Quote:</font>
I scan the headlines of the morning paper, but otherwise, I try to stay focused on only the things that affect me right here in my immediate surroundings.

</div></font></blockquote><font class="post">

This reminds me also how helpful it is to set priorities, not try to do everything about everywhere always. We can choose our interests and activities.

[lenjan]

As it seems I have to point out to every f'ing poster here who media-bashes -- there are some ethical journalists in the world. (Candybear waves at you, being one of them.)

As my old writing coach used to say, "Gross generalizations are generally gross." Let's not paint the entire profession with one brush, shall we?

C

[CedarS]

I so admire the ethical journalists and photographers who keep at it day in and day out, dedicated to getting the word and images out. My guess is that it could seem to them that they get grief from both ends: public figures who are not ethical and don't want the truth out, and we the audience who at times must seem like we are never happy.

For this thread, the focus can be on how we each figure out ways to lessen triggers in our lives, when it comes to news of traumatic events. Sounds like setting priorities and limits helps some folks a lot.

All our opinions and feelings are okay.

Sarah

Yes, generalizations can be very harmful. Like just because - years ago -- I had several abusive experiences with a few teachers-- doesn't make all teachers bad people.

I'm sure there are some ethical news reporters out there--- it's just very hard for us in our living rooms to know what to take as fact and what is fiction.

Candybear, I'm glad to hear you are one of the ethical reporters--it's good to have people like you sharing well written info with the public--- and good for you in standing up for yourself! ( I admire that)

There is a commercial that triggers me horribly--- as soon as I hear it's playing, I quickly push the "mute" button and don't look at the TV for 60 seconds-- then-- it's over and I'm OK.
That's how I handle triggers-- at least for now-- I avoid them.

mandy

[CedarS]

Avoidance is a great technique too. I used to think I had to be some sort of superwoman and do everything, face everything, like everything. Fortunately I eventually figured out that I get to have my own likes and dislikes. I get to avoid things, turn things off, say No for any reason or no reason at all.

Those realizations may sound simple but they are major for me. I summed it up for a therapist by saying "I get to be human.". She could tell by the look on my face that this was profound for me. She smiled and nodded.

Sarah

[wanttoheal]

thought these were interesting.

http://www.happynews.com/

http://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/

[(JD)]

I resent being called such a foul name. I have been in the media, photojournalist published, and a sales manager for a radio station. Currently even this trend of media creating news has been a topic of the media discussions, so it is real and not just an opinion. Also, many of the interviews of ppl conducted are edited to say things the person never meant, or that didn't display the true event. On a campout at a local park, a long walk around a lake, with parked cars nearby, two boy scouts kidded how it would be easier to take a car and drive. The media walking nearby reported: BOY SCOUTS PLAN TO STEAL CAR. I have many cases in point, but that isn't the point that I wish to elaborate. I cannot handle the ticket tape media, as everytime I clicked on something that seemed concerning, it wasn't at all. I do not consider a rape that happened 2 weeks ago as a BREAKING NEWS story when the police finally decide to let the public search for the guy. The same pictures of a natural disaster, rather than current and less shocking, are played over and over.... ok I don't want to do this.

I did mention the PBS and local learning channel feeds. Has anyone viewed the tv news reports from BBC and other sources NOT in USA? <font color="blue"> They usually report the news with even toned facts, not hype us up. This is the way I need information. I have enough stress. </font>

I wasn't a media hyper nor creator. I resent being considered as a basher of all media... because I personally know there are reporters out there who are trying to just give the news.. but our society tends to promote those who are "more creative." imo

I respect those who give the news, fair and square. Unfortunately they are a dying or ignored breed, unless owning their own station, magazine, or paper. If someone is in that profession, they know what their battle is. Sometimes truth hurts.<font color="blue"> Sometimes it compels us to be a catalyst for change.

[CedarS]

Sky, I -love- BBC, I listen to their various news programs, when I have access to TV use them also. And their web site is chock full of info.

All of us, we can agree to disagree over stuff we disagree with, focus here is on mutual support. We have some good ideas so far on how any of us can sort out our media use and exposure.

Folks might think to contemplate how much TV time their kids get, but might not think to pay attention to their own choices. Can be easy to use TV and radio as background noise and company. Unfortunately some of that stressful stuff can still leak through our environment, in my humble opinion.

Sarah

[jennie]

I have had serious problems with being stuck watching the news during September 11th, Invasion of Iraq, and Hurricanes Katrina/Rita. I get little sleep and have nightmares with such themes.

Most of the time I can avoid news' triggers by just reading only the headlines and only scanning key sentences within articles. Weblogs/blogs are a great source for this.

[CedarS]

Jennie,

I've definitely gone through problems around times of trauma news wise, and it sure affects my sleep also.

Works well for me also to scan headlines online, limit my focus. And I use Bloglines to track favorite news sites and blogs. Helps immensely.

Sarah

[CedarS]

Very cool idea, that folks are creating news sites that focus on positive news. We humans are so creative, even in the face of difficult times.