Short Answer
Doomscrolling can contribute to feelings of depression by activating your nervous system's stress response. Recognizing this pattern and taking steps to manage it can help you feel more in control.
What This Means
When you're doomscrolling, you might feel like you're stuck in a cycle of anxiety or dread. This can be especially true if you're scrolling through social media or news feeds that trigger strong emotions.
Doomscrolling can also make it harder to disconnect from the stress and anxiety of the world around you, leading to feelings of overwhelm and hopelessness.
Why This Happens
Research on the stress response shows that when we're constantly exposed to stressful stimuli, our nervous system can become overactivated. This can lead to a range of negative effects, including increased anxiety and depression.
Additionally, doomscrolling can activate your body's 'fight or flight' response, releasing stress hormones like cortisol into your system. Over time, this can contribute to feelings of burnout and exhaustion.
What Can Help
- Practice self-compassion: Be kind to yourself when you catch yourself doomscrolling. Remember that it's a common pattern, and it doesn't mean you're failing or weak.
- Set boundaries: Limit your social media use or take breaks from news feeds to give yourself time to relax and recharge.
- Find healthy coping mechanisms: Engage in activities that bring you joy, like exercise, reading, or spending time with loved ones.
- Seek support: Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional about your struggles with doomscrolling and depression.
- Practice mindfulness: Regular mindfulness practice can help you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings, making it easier to break free from the cycle of doomscrolling.
When to Seek Support
If you find yourself struggling with persistent feelings of depression or anxiety related to doomscrolling, consider reaching out to a mental health professional for support.
A therapist can help you develop strategies to manage your stress response and break free from the cycle of doomscrolling.
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This content draws from peer-reviewed research and established clinical frameworks.
Primary Research
- Shabahang, R. Weber, R. (2025). How should we approach negative news in the media? A 'mindful' and 'harmonious' consumption of negative news by users might be an answer.. Frontiers in psychology. [PubMed]
- Akat, M. Hamarta, E. (2025). Doomscrolling and social media addiction in adolescents: a two-wave longitudinal study.. Journal of addictive diseases. [PubMed]
- Dominguez-Rodriguez, A. Apprich, F. Friehs, M. et al. (2025). Climate change news and doomscrolling: An examination of influencing factors and psychological effects.. Acta psychologica. [PubMed]
- Rogowska, A. Marengo, D. Chlebowska, G. (2026). Validation and Polish Adaptation of the Doomscrolling Scale.. Chronic stress (Thousand Oaks, Calif.). [PubMed]
Foundational Authorities
Robert Greene
Author, Founder, Navy Veteran & Trauma Survivor
Robert Greene is a writer and strategist focused on human behavior, relationships, and personal development. Drawing from lived experience, global travel, and diverse perspectives, he explores the patterns driving how people think, connect, and self-sabotage. His work challenges conventional narratives around mental health, modern relationships, and personal growth. Because awareness is where real change begins.
