BLOG - I always thought therapy was for weak people, until I suffered a major depressive episode some years ago and needed to see a mental health professional myself.

Turns out, therapy is for strong people.

Some work themselves into the ground, too afraid to ask for help with ever-increasing demands, others lose a loved one and need help navigating the waves of grief that wash over them without warning and others unwillingly have their mental health damaged through external factors over which they have no control.

To paraphrase the definition found on Techtarget.com, Doomscrolling is the act of spending an excessive amount of time reading or watching large quantities of negative news online.

Health studies have shown that excessive exposure to such content negatively impacts both mental and physical health, leading to illnesses such as depression, insomnia, anxiety, panic disorders, diabetes, heart disease and obesity.

While in therapy, I realised that I had become prone to doomscrolling during the pandemic.

It became difficult to distinguish the truth from conspiracy theories, fake news and political propaganda, yet I would reach for my phone countless times a day to read the death stats or read coronavirus-related information.

I was feeding an unseen compulsion that was slowly poisoning my brain and my body.

With the guidance of my amazing doctor, I set boundaries for myself. I began by limiting my time on social media. I won't deny that it was tough. But it was necessary, because had I continued on that destructive path, my mental and physical health would have suffered long-term damage.

One of the best things about my recent cruise holiday was not having access to the internet for the entire time, by choice. I was able to enjoy everything to the full, because I was able to focus on resting and relaxing with my parents who were with me.

I will concede that the average South African doesn't often have much to be positive about these days, with load shedding, interest rate increases, fuel price hikes, unemployment, and cholera outbreaks being the order of the day.

Then there are the Russia-Ukraine war, global warming, natural disasters, and international politics that influence the global economy. You have no control over any of these things, so what can you do to stay informed and still maintain good overall wellbeing?

Assess what you are exposing yourself to and ask if it is adding value to your life.

Don't believe everything you read or see online. Limit your screen time. Start a hobby or spend more time outdoors. Try to eat more healthily, hydrate, exercise and lastly, don't be afraid to ask for help if you're not coping. Help is available.

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