Navigating the Collective Feeling of Doom: The Weight of Modern Stressors
Written by Kelsey Woods
In recent years, many have spoken about a pervasive sense of unease—a collective feeling of doom that lingers like a cloud over our daily lives. This sentiment has grown more palpable since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, a global event that not only disrupted the world as we knew it but also laid bare the fragility of our interconnected systems. With skyrocketing rates of depression and anxiety, it’s worth examining how we arrived at this mental health crisis and what factors continue to exacerbate it.
The Psychological Fallout of the Pandemic
COVID-19 was more than just a health crisis; it was a seismic event that shook our routines, relationships, and sense of security. Lockdowns isolated people from their support networks, while fears about health and economic stability loomed large. For many, grief compounded these challenges—grief for lost loved ones, lost opportunities, and a lost sense of normalcy. Studies have shown a significant rise in mental health issues during this time. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the prevalence of anxiety and depression increased by a staggering 25% globally in the first year of the pandemic alone (World Health Organisation, 2022).
Even as lockdowns lifted and vaccines rolled out, the lingering effects of the pandemic remained (University of Sydney, 2023). People who previously managed stress well found themselves grappling with ongoing uncertainty and burnout. For those already vulnerable to mental health challenges, the strain became nearly unbearable.The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted college students' mental health (Gandhi et al., 2024).
Social Media: Amplifier of Stress
While social media has long been a double-edged sword, its role in amplifying stress has never been more apparent. Social media can negatively impact our overall well-being by fueling anxiety, depression, loneliness, and FOMO (fear of missing out) (UC Davis Health, 2024). Platforms designed to connect us now serve as conduits for a constant stream of bad news. War, climate disasters, political unrest, and economic downturns are served to us in rapid succession, creating a phenomenon some experts call "headline anxiety." (Huff, 2022).
Moreover, the curated nature of social media fosters unhealthy comparisons. During the pandemic, it wasn’t uncommon to see influencers touting productivity hacks or sharing idyllic lockdown experiences. For the average person struggling to balance remote work, childcare, and mental health, these posts often felt like a cruel reminder of their perceived shortcomings.
Social media also brings global stressors to our doorstep in ways previous generations never experienced. While past societies were primarily concerned with local or national issues, today’s individuals are inundated with crises from every corner of the globe. The human brain, evolved to handle the challenges of small community living, struggles to process this level of exposure without experiencing emotional exhaustion.
The Path Forward
Amidst this collective sense of doom, it’s crucial to acknowledge that while the challenges are real, there are ways to mitigate their impact. The long-term mental health consequences of COVID-19 can be mitigated by a physical and intentional lifestyle (Roever, Cavalcante, & Improta-Caria, 2023).
Reclaiming Digital Boundaries: Limiting time on social media and curating feeds to focus on uplifting or educational content can reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed. Unplugging, even for short periods, allows space for mindfulness and emotional recovery.
Prioritising Connection: The isolation of the pandemic highlighted the importance of human connection. Rebuilding social bonds and engaging in community activities can provide a buffer against feelings of despair.
Seeking Professional Help: Therapy, counseling, or support groups can be vital resources for navigating complex emotions. Increased access to telehealth services has made mental health support more accessible than ever.
Focusing on Small, Meaningful Actions: While global issues may feel insurmountable, taking small steps to contribute positively—whether through volunteering, activism, or environmental efforts—can restore a sense of agency and hope.
A Collective Effort
The collective feeling of doom is not an individual failing; it’s a reflection of the complex and often overwhelming world we inhabit. By understanding the factors contributing to this emotional weight and taking steps to address them, we can begin to foster resilience—both individually and collectively. If nothing else, the past few years have shown us the incredible strength of the human spirit and the profound importance of looking out for one another as we navigate these unprecedented times.
References:
Curtin University. (2024, November 6). New study challenges social media's mental health impact. ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241106132656.htm
Gandhi, S., Jordan, A., Glaman, R., & Morrow, B. (2024). Unmasking the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of college students: A cross-sectional study. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 15, Article 1453323. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1453323
Huff, C. (2022, November 1). Media overload is hurting our mental health. Here are ways to manage headline stress. Monitor on Psychology. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2022/11/strain-media-overload
Roever, L., Cavalcante, B. R. R., & Improta-Caria, A. C. (2023). Long-term consequences of COVID-19 on mental health and the impact of a physically active lifestyle: A narrative review. Annals of General Psychiatry, 22, Article 19. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12991-023-00448-z
UC Davis Health. (2024, May 10). Social media’s impact on our mental health and tips to use it safely. https://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/cultivating-health/social-medias-impact-our-mental-health-and-tips-to-use-it-safely/2024/05
University of Sydney. (2023, March 9). Moving on from COVID means facing its impact on mental health, say experts. https://www.sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2023/03/09/moving-on-from-covid-means-facing-its-impact-on-mental-health--s.html
World Health Organization. (2022, March 2). COVID-19 pandemic triggers 25% increase in prevalence of anxiety and depression worldwide. https://www.who.int/news/item/02-03-2022-covid-19-pandemic-triggers-25-increase-in-prevalence-of-anxiety-and-depression-worldwide