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With ongoing conflicts in regions like Israel, Gaza, Russia, and Ukraine, alongside economic uncertainties in today's world, it's common to feel inundated by distressing headlines and graphic imagery. While staying informed is crucial, constant exposure to such content can strain mental well-being.

According to Iliyan Ivanov, a professor of psychiatry at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, exposure to violent images has detrimental effects on the brain, with no positive outcomes.

For adults who have experienced trauma or who have mood disorders, the effects can be triggering.

"People with some level of anxiety might have some apprehension about what may come next because the situation is so fluid and uncertain," Ivanov told CNBC Make It. "There is always this sense like: 'What else might be coming? Something terrible is going to happen.'"

To mitigate the negative impact of relentless news coverage, mental health experts recommend the following strategies:

Select Reliable Sources

Alison Holman, a professor of psychological science at the University of California, Irvine, advises reading news judiciously. Holman, who specializes in trauma and media exposure research, suggests to "Identify sources of news that are reliable and trustworthy," news sources that deliver factual information. She recommends selecting two to three top-tier sources to stay informed effectively.

Set Time Limits

Holman emphasizes that staying informed doesn't require consuming extensive hours of coverage. Instead, she recommends allocating specific time slots in the day, such as 15 to 20 minutes in the morning and evening, to read news updates and stay abreast of current events. Holman clarifies that it's not about reducing news consumption but rather avoiding excessiveness, urging people not to ignore important information.

Prioritize Text-Based Content

Ivanov underscores the profound impact of graphic images on our psyche, noting that visual cues significantly influence the brain, accounting for 80% of information intake. He cautions against platforms like YouTube, which inundate viewers with endless streams of videos, often containing distressing content.

"Do I need to see thousands of people dying? Of course not," Ivanov asserts, advocating for prioritizing written articles over graphic videos to comprehend the severity of events without exposing oneself to unnecessary trauma.

Similarly, Holman highlights the importance of opting for textual news content over visual media, even from reputable sources. She points out that while a source may be credible, not all of its published material may be suitable for consumption. 

Listen to Your Body

According to Holman, individual needs and capabilities vary, and it's essential to listen to your body's cues.

"Are you starting to feel tension in your neck or shoulders?" she said. "Is your breathing becoming more shallow? You don't want to let yourself get caught up where you're barely breathing."

She emphasizes that physical sensations such as tension in the neck or shoulders, along with shallow breathing, may indicate it's time to disengage and pursue other activities. Holman advises against becoming so absorbed in the news that you neglect self-care, urging people to pay heed to their body's signals to identify triggers and prevent overwhelming reactions.

Find Balance

Holman recommends prioritizing activities that bring joy or relaxation to balance out the impact of consuming news.

"Find something else to do," Holman suggested. "Find some guilty pleasure. Whatever helps you process what you're learning. Just don't allow yourself to get isolated and sucked into the news by yourself." Holman emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy balance and engaging in activities that promote well-being amidst challenging times.

By implementing these strategies, people can navigate the news landscape more effectively, staying informed while safeguarding their mental well-being amid the challenging times.