Know About Medicines with Chula Pharmacy: How to Deal with Stress from Bad News

During times when the country is flooded with negative news, many people often complain of stress. Some feel extremely anxious after hearing court rulings, others feel both sorrowful and sleepless when hearing about soldiers injured in border conflicts. And on top of that, there is an endless stream of negative stories around the clock. If you find yourself in this situation, the first step is to stop consuming such news immediately and engage in other activities. Do not immerse yourself in bad news that worsens your stress, as it may lead to emotional and health problems.

Negative News and Its Impact on Mental Health

The saying, “Bad news spreads for free, good news comes at a price,” is not far from the truth. In these times, many people suffer stress from overwhelming news coverage—for example, the prolonged Thai–Cambodian border conflict since June, respected monks involved in scandals, worsening economic conditions, or even “viral dramas” such as outrageously expensive food stories. Hearing all this can weigh down the heart and mind. Those with strong mental resilience may simply acknowledge and let go. But many people become too absorbed in such news—the more they follow, the worse they feel—leading to anxiety, sadness, and accumulated stress.

Causes of News-Induced Stress

1. Excessive exposure to negative information: violent events, disasters, conflicts, epidemics. Constant exposure leads to fear and panic.
2. The speed of the internet: news spreads rapidly, confronting people with stories continuously, leaving little time for the brain to process or rest.

Both of these factors contribute to a sense of insecurity and lack of control. Some people even become addicted to following news constantly for fear of missing out, which only increases stress.

Signs You May Be Stressed from News Consumption

Look out for warning signs in three areas:

• Emotional: anxiety, irritability, sadness, hopelessness
• Physical: headaches, insomnia, palpitations, stomach pain, body aches
• Behavioral: excessive obsession with news, avoiding social interactions, glued to the phone all day

If these symptoms occur, it likely indicates stress caused by news exposure.

Prevention and Coping Strategies

• Limit news time: reduce exposure and select only 1–2 reliable sources.
• Check facts carefully: question the accuracy of news and distinguish between true and false reports.
• Take breaks from your phone: if overwhelmed, step away for 20–30 minutes.
• Practice mindfulness or shift focus: try meditation, breathing exercises, exercise, hobbies, playing with pets, or caring for family.

When to Seek Professional Help

For those unable to control themselves—addicted to phones, severely stressed to the point it affects work, school, or relationships— consult a doctor or pharmacist immediately. Symptoms such as persistent insomnia, unexplained physical pains, social withdrawal, or thoughts of self-harm may require treatment with anti-anxiety or antidepressant medications. These must be prescribed by professionals and should never be self-medicated.

Self-Assessment

If you are unsure whether your stress level is too high, try the official screening tools:

• Depression Self-Assessment: 9 Questions (9Q)
• Stress Assessment: 5 Questions (ST-5)

Available at the Department of Mental Health website: https://dmh.go.th/test/ If you have questions about medicines or basic health concerns, please contact LINE: @guruya, Drug Information Center, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nattada Areepiam and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bodin Tiwasuwan

Faculty of Pharmacy Chulalongkorn University