Doomscrolling and Depression During the Pandemic: Exploring Options

By Steve

Doomscrolling during the pandemic

It’s March 2020, and the world feels like it’s falling apart. The pandemic has us all locked down, and the only thing keeping us connected is our phones. But let’s be honest, most of us aren’t using them to stay connected—we’re doomscrolling. You know the drill: endless news updates, rising death tolls, and that sinking feeling in your gut that things are only going to get worse. Sound familiar? Yeah, I thought so.

The Doomscrolling Trap

Doomscrolling isn’t just a bad habit; it’s a mental health hazard. I’ve been there, sitting on the couch at 2 a.m., refreshing Twitter like it’s my job. Jenny’s given me the side-eye more than once, and rightly so. It’s not just me, though. According to a study by the Journal of Medical Internet Research, doomscrolling has been linked to increased anxiety and depression, especially during the pandemic. And let’s not forget how it messes with your sleep—something I’ve struggled with even before TRT.

Here’s the thing: doomscrolling feeds into a vicious cycle. The more you scroll, the worse you feel. The worse you feel, the more you scroll. It’s like a black hole for your mental health. And if you’re already dealing with low testosterone or anxiety, like I was before starting TRT, it’s even harder to break free. I remember one particularly rough night when I couldn’t stop reading about the latest COVID stats. By the time I finally put my phone down, I felt like I’d been hit by a bus.

Breaking the Cycle

So, how do you stop doomscrolling? Here are a few strategies that have worked for me:

  1. Set Time Limits: Use apps like Screen Time or Digital Wellbeing to limit your social media usage. I’ve set mine to 30 minutes a day, and it’s made a world of difference.
  2. Curate Your Feed: Unfollow accounts that post doom-and-gloom content. Follow ones that make you laugh or inspire you. Trust me, your mental health will thank you.
  3. Get Moving: Exercise is a natural mood booster. Even a quick walk around the block can help clear your head. Plus, it’s great for your testosterone levels.
  4. Talk to Someone: Whether it’s Jenny, a friend, or a therapist, talking about how you’re feeling can help. I’ve been open about my struggles with anxiety, and it’s made a huge difference.

A Personal Note

I’ll leave you with this: the pandemic has been tough on all of us. But it’s also shown us how resilient we can be. Whether you’re dealing with doomscrolling, depression, or just trying to keep your head above water, know that you’re not alone. And if you’re on TRT like me, remember that taking care of your mental health is just as important as managing your physical health.

So, put down the phone, take a deep breath, and remember: this too shall pass.

P.S. If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. There’s no shame in asking for support.