‘I can breathe again’. Readers share their experiences of a more balanced media diet

‘I can breathe again’. Readers share their experiences of a more balanced media diet

Journalism is often praised for its vital role in shaping democracy and enriching public discourse about global events. However, its influence on our emotional well-being is less frequently explored. In recognition of World Mental Health Day on October 10, readers of Positive News shared how transforming the types of news they engage with has altered their personal experience of the world.

These accounts reveal a variety of emotional benefits, from reducing anxiety and regaining clarity to fostering feelings of hope and encouraging proactive behaviour. Many readers describe a shift towards a news consumption style that offers a more balanced and uplifting perspective, which helps them cope better with daily life. For instance, Mustafa reflects on how positive journalism anchors him amid a “tsunami of negativity,” while others speak about how it helps them regain a sense of calm and possibility.

Numerous individuals express relief in distancing themselves from the predominantly grim headlines typical of mainstream media. Kay notes the “overwhelmingly negative mainstream news batters our consciousness and creates a miasma of despair,” making Positive News an essential source of reassurance. Similarly, Mo credits discovering Positive News for helping her navigate feelings of hopelessness at nearly 73 years old, describing it as the first thing she reads each morning. Naava highlights how such journalism prevents despair from paralyzing her, allowing her to envision a better future for her family.

Beyond providing emotional relief, this alternative approach to news consumption serves as a mental health strategy for many readers. Anna compares it to enjoying “fresh, delicious organic vegetables after a gluttony of toxic junk food,” emphasizing the balance it brings against the usual stream of negativity. Others, like Kirsty and Holly, describe how engaging with Positive News restores their ability to breathe and rejuvenates their spirit. For some, such as Rosemary, periodically focusing exclusively on positive news is a deliberate practice to safeguard their mental well-being.

This focus on hopeful and solution-oriented journalism also helps counteract feelings of anxiety and helplessness. Amanda finds Positive News to be “a sanctuary” where she recovers from the distress other media can provoke, and Naomi lends her copies to others who need to shift their perspective away from despair. Jen acknowledges the publication’s role in supporting her through difficult emotional moments, while Ron and Saga emphasize its power to inspire action by presenting constructive change rather than only problems.

For many readers, maintaining hope is crucial not just for themselves but for future generations. Joanna reflects on the responsibility to stay optimistic “for our grandchildren,” connecting hope with the motivation to support positive development in the world. This underscores the way balanced and solutions-focused journalism can foster not only emotional well-being but also the desire to contribute towards meaningful progress.

Positive News is dedicated to highlighting the people and ideas driving constructive change, believing that attention to solutions encourages their spread. Funded independently by its readers rather than by media conglomerates, it aims to provide a fuller understanding of the world by investigating what is working and sharing those stories widely. This commitment offers an alternative to the often relentless negativity found in much of today’s news, supporting mental health and nurturing a vision for a better future

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