"Should You Watch the News? Finding Balance Between Staying Informed and Staying Well"

Have you ever felt disconnected from a conversation, unable to contribute because you weren't following the news? That's what happened to host Mark McConville at a social gathering with mates, and it sparked a profound question: Is avoiding the news helping or hurting me?In this vulnerable solo episode, Mark explores the complex dilemma we all face: How do we stay informed about the world around us without sacrificing our own mental health? So much news is negative, do we really need it?  Mark examines both sides—the case for staying informed (empathy, civic duty, connection) and the case against constant consumption (anxiety, helplessness, media negativity). Drawing on research about news consumption and mental health, Mark offers practical strategies for finding balance in an age of 24/7 news cycles, social media, and information overload.If you never watch the news OR are feeling overwhelmed by consuming too much of it, this episode is for you.• the empathy and civic case for staying informed• how negative news drives anxiety, stress and helplessness• the role of algorithms, bias and deepfakes in shaping belief• setting a 15‑minute cap and choosing balanced sources• adding credible positive news to counter negativity bias• turning anxiety into action through volunteering or donations• creating news‑free times and digital detox weeks• checking in on mood, sleep and overwhelm as feedback• inviting listener strategies to refine a sustainable news habitShare your thoughts: message via the Laughter Clinic website, comment where you listen, or leave a note on the Laughter Clinic Facebook page. Hit subscribe, share with a friend, and as always, "Be kind to yourself,  and be kind to those around you." Website: www.thelaughterclinic.com.auYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@thelaughterclinicAus"If you or someone you know needs support, please contact one of these Australian mental health services. In an emergency, always call 000."Lifeline AustraliaPhone: 13 11 14 (24/7)Web: lifeline.org.auSuicide Call Back ServicePhone: 1300 659 467 (24/7)Web: suicidecallbackservice.org.auBeyond BluePhone: 1300 22 4636 (24/7)Web: beyondblue.org.auKids Helpline (for people aged 5-25)Phone: 1800 55 1800 (24/7)Web: kidshelpline.com.auMensLine AustraliaPhone: 1300 78 99 78 (24/7)Web: mensline.org.auSANE Australia (complex mental health issues)Phone: 1800 18 7263Web: sane.orgQLife (LGBTIQ+ support)Phone: 1800 184 527 Web: qlife.org.auOpen Arms (Veterans & Families Counselling)Phone: 1800 011 046 (24/7)Web: openarms.gov.au1800RESPECT (sexual assault, domestic violence)Phone: 1800 737 732 (24/7)Web: 1800respect.org.auHeadspace (youth mental health, ages 12-25)Phone: 1800 650 890 Web: headspace.org.au13YARN (Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis support)Phone: 13 92 76 (13YARN) (24/7)Web: 13yarn.org.auMusic by Hayden Smithhttps://www.haydensmith.com