Originally Posted by
Anxle
I think this is a different question because it's about stopping doomscrolling, not the specifics of the news story. The same tips can be given whether the fear is health, Covid, or any theme of your anxiety. It's not really about Russia/Ukraine, and I think using this thread to give reassurances about that specific situation is actually counterproductive.
Really it's about realising this is a compulsion, it's about an unhealthy way of coping with worry. In reality worry is not a healthy or useful activity - whatever will happen will happen whether you're cheerfully getting on with your life or poring over the Internet.
As with all compulsions it's hard to stop with generic advice from random people off the internet, and if you're struggling and aren't already getting help have a chat to a professional about therapy or meds that may help.
One thing that can help is actually scheduling worry into worry time. So if you find yourself fretting give yourself permission to worry, but put it off and do it at a scheduled time of the day. By the time this comes round the power of the worry has often diminished, and you it helps you to free the rest of the time.
Another thing is to try and switch off. It's easier said than done, but throw your phone across the room, switch off your laptop, and do something else that will occupy your mind. This will feel uncomfortable as you're fighting an urge that your brain thinks you need to stay safe, but you need to train it that it's not needed.
Lastly you can add settings on your phone to limit apps and websites, but I've not had a lot of luck with these as they're easy enough to circumvent in your weaker moments.
But I would reiterate I've found all this very hard, and still do, and do try and seek help from a professional if you aren't already.