Podcast Summary: Mind If We Talk? – Episode: How to Stop Doomscrolling
Podcast Information
- Title: Mind If We Talk?
- Host/Author: BetterHelp
- Episode Title: How to Stop Doomscrolling
- Release Date: July 31, 2025
- Description: Hosted by licensed therapist Haesue Jo, this episode delves into the pervasive issue of doomscrolling—endlessly scrolling through negative news on social media—and its impact on mental health. Featuring insights from singer-songwriter David Archuleta and counselor Sarah Close, the episode offers personal stories and expert advice on navigating the challenges of modern digital consumption.
Introduction to Doomscrolling
Jesu Jo kicks off the episode by introducing the concept of doomscrolling, a term increasingly common in today’s digital age. Doomscrolling refers to the compulsive consumption of negative news on social media platforms, often leading to heightened anxiety and a sense of helplessness.
David Archuleta shares his initial experiences with doomscrolling:
“[00:03] ...you know, I'm just gonna disconnect from the world and disassociate and just open up my phone and start scrolling. And it's like a way of escaping... it's kind of interesting how addicting it's become.”
David’s Personal Struggle with Doomscrolling
David elaborates on how social media algorithms contribute to the habit of doomscrolling. He explains the cycle of engagement, where even negative reactions (e.g., horror, disgust) feed into the algorithm, perpetuating endless scrolling:
“[00:03] ...the algorithm, it adapts to what you stop and react to...you can get addicted to things that you don't even like.”
Jesu Jo probes deeper into how this behavior has affected David’s life, leading to feelings of helplessness and impacting his daily activities:
“[06:10] ...it's so discouraging to see how polarizing it's become...what am I supposed to do about this?”
David reflects on the emotional toll, including the cessation of activities that once brought him joy, such as going to the gym:
“[14:40] ...I stopped going to the gym, and I was just laying in bed... I really don't know what I'm supposed to do about it.”
The Intersection of Identity and Mental Health
A significant portion of the discussion centers around David’s journey with his queer identity and how it intertwines with his experiences of anxiety and doomscrolling. He recounts the challenges of coming out and seeking acceptance, which added layers to his mental health struggles:
“[11:28] ...I have to respect that I'm making the best decision for me right now because I was starting to really spiral down and into a really dark place.”
David highlights the difficulty of finding supportive environments, particularly when traditional therapy settings felt judgmental:
“[11:28] ...some of the therapy that I was going to sometimes was very specific to the area that I lived in...I was scared because I didn't know who would see me just normal, like as a normal person rather than as a problem to be fixed for being queer.”
Coping Mechanisms and Recovery
Jesu Jo asks David about his path to overcoming the doldrums of doomscrolling. David admits that recovery was gradual, involving small steps to rebuild his routine and regain motivation:
“[18:02] ...I had to let myself fumble for like a month before I finally found myself being, having the energy to get back into rhythm.”
He emphasizes the importance of routine and discipline, even when motivation is low:
“[18:02] ...it's just about the routine and discipline to just do something regardless of how you feel.”
Expert Insights with Sarah Close
Sarah Close, a licensed professional counselor with BetterHelp, joins the conversation to provide expert perspectives on doomscrolling and its psychological underpinnings. She explains that doomscrolling often serves as a dissociative coping mechanism to manage overwhelming stress:
“[32:48] ...Dissociation is a trauma response initially that is meant to help us be able to check out from difficult, stressful situations.”
Sarah offers practical strategies to break the cycle of doomscrolling, such as:
- Acknowledgment: Recognizing the behavior without judgment.
- Intentional Actions: Replacing negative consumption with healthier activities (e.g., watching comfort TV shows).
- Small Steps: Gradually reintroducing routines and self-care practices to rebuild momentum.
Addressing Stigma Around Mental Health
The episode also touches on the societal shift towards stigmatizing therapy, with David noting a decline in the positive perception of seeking mental health support:
“[21:31] ...even myself personally, I wonder what the shift was in society because I was like, well, if I go back to therapy it means I have, I'm broken again.”
Sarah counters this by likening mental health care to physical health care, advocating for a more accepting and normalized view of therapy:
“[24:36] ...I just kind of thought of that. And I hope people can start to see seeking out therapy similar to you is going in and out of it when you need.”
Building Supportive Communities
David discusses the importance of finding and building supportive communities, especially when facing identity-related stress:
“[47:36] ...it starts with maybe one safe person... just finding one safe person that you feel comfortable opening up to.”
Sarah echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the gradual process of building trust and community:
“[47:36] ...it starts with maybe one safe person... building community through shared interests and values.”
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The episode wraps up with Jesu Jo and Sarah Close summarizing the key takeaways:
- Sensitivity is Strength: Being attuned to the world's issues is not a weakness but a sign of deep humanity.
- Small Steps Matter: Incremental changes can lead to significant improvements in mental health.
- Seek Support: Building connections and seeking professional help are crucial for overcoming feelings of helplessness.
Sarah leaves listeners with a powerful reminder to approach their behaviors with compassion and to understand the underlying intentions behind their actions:
“[50:17] ...start with the question of what positive intention might this behavior be attempting.”
Notable Quotes:
- David Archuleta [00:03]: “It's like a way of escaping. But then once you're done scrolling... your problems are still there.”
- David Archuleta [11:28]: “I was starting to really spiral down and into a really dark place... I was scared because I didn't know who would see me just normal.”
- Sarah Close [32:48]: “Dissociation is a trauma response initially that is meant to help us be able to check out from difficult, stressful situations.”
- Sarah Close [50:17]: “Start with the question of what positive intention might this behavior be attempting.”
Key Takeaways:
- Understanding Doomscrolling: Recognizing the addictive nature of negative news consumption and its impact on mental health.
- Personal Narratives: David Archuleta’s experiences highlight the intersection of identity, public life, and mental well-being.
- Coping Strategies: Implementing small, intentional actions to break the cycle of doomscrolling and rebuild daily routines.
- Breaking Stigma: Advocating for a more accepting view of mental health care, akin to physical health care.
- Community and Support: Building and seeking out supportive communities as a means to alleviate feelings of isolation and helplessness.
Conclusion
"How to Stop Doomscrolling" offers a heartfelt exploration of the challenges posed by relentless negative news consumption and its profound effects on mental health. Through David Archuleta’s candid sharing and Sarah Close’s professional insights, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of doomscrolling and practical tools to mitigate its impact. This episode serves as a compassionate reminder that seeking support and fostering connections are vital steps toward mental well-being in an ever-connected world.