Protecting Your Peace During the Troubling News Cycles.

There are some news stories I can follow with interest. There are others I know I need to keep at a distance.

For me, the Lindsay Clancy trial falls into the second category. But by virtue of my profession as a perinatal psychiatrist and an educator, I invariably get asked for my thoughts and opinions on the trial. As more and more news cycles tune into the courtroom, it has become almost impossible to avoid. Every social media outlet has an opinion; comment sections are rife with inaccuracies, quotations, and judgments.  The trial dominates headlines, and old news coverage about similar cases is brought to the fore.

But what does this mean for the pregnant woman who is currently trying to manage her emotions, health, and hormones while being bombarded with information and suggestions that her body or her mind might betray her at any given moment? It is important to remember that, for the vast majority of women, pregnancy and the postpartum period are healthy and positive experiences. Serious complications or negative outcomes are actually rare, and most people find that their bodies and minds are more resilient than they may fear during this time. Here are a few suggestions that may help you protect your peace and navigate the daunting flow of information, condemnation, and support.

Being Intentional With Social Media

Everyone is prone to doom-scrolling. Setting limits on the amount of content that comes into your feed is possible. Try scheduling daily screen breaks—even just fifteen minutes to step away from your phone or computer can help reset your mind. Unfollowing accounts, even temporarily, can provide relief from the incessant bombardment. Following uplifting accounts that focus on positive birth stories, parenting tips, or self-care can help restore balance to your timeline. Muting or archiving WhatsApp groups can be liberating without the accompanying guilt of leaving, and clicking "not interested" can help control the flow of information that comes your way. You may also want to set aside a specific time each day to check in on social media and stick to it, so news does not leak into every moment. Likewise, clicking segments that give you joy as you prepare for your baby's birth will fill your day with "perfect moments" that remind you of the happiness that typically accompanies childbirth. Remember to keep your phone out of your bedroom for better sleep, or set up a relaxing playlist you can turn to when you need a boost instead of scrolling. What is missed in the news is that, while everyone could do a much better job of supporting mothers, wellness during and after pregnancy is possible and is actually the norm.

Pay attention to your physical and emotional reactions to certain interactions.

Ask yourself how you feel after engaging in a discussion or viewing a comment or news segment about perinatal health. Are you feeling more anxious, panicky, tremulous? Or are you feeling uncertain, off-kilter, and unsteady? Do you lose your appetite after speaking with that well-meaning friend who wants to ask about how you are doing with everything? This is your body signaling that these communications are not currently a priority for you, as you are in a healthy pregnancy and motherhood. Even the most innocuous statement can trigger a chain reaction that may result in a hospital visit. So what can you do when this happens? Attend to your body’s distress by de-stressing. This could be putting on some music, drinking a (decaffeinated) latte, or taking a long soak in the tub. It could be taking a walk with your kids or putting on your favorite comfort movie. Or as simple as ordering dinner instead of cooking and eating the naughty dessert.

Permit yourself to leave the conversation.

People are very earnest about their thoughts and opinions about the case. You can be as well. If you find yourself in a conversation that feels unhelpful or overwhelming, try using gentle boundary-setting phrases. For example, you might say: “I appreciate you thinking of me, but I’m choosing not to talk about the trial right now.” Or, “For my own well-being, I’m not following the details closely.” You can also say, “That topic is a bit heavy for me at the moment; can we talk about something else?” or reply, “Thanks for understanding that I’d rather not discuss this right now.” Stating, “I am avoiding following the trial closely for my peace of mind,” is enough to deter even the most ardent discussant. No one wants to be willfully responsible for another’s lack of peace, or at least not so openly. Leave the text on “delivered” until you are in a better position to read it without being triggered, or just don’t read it. Postpone or cancel lunch dates that might stress troubling aspects of the case or pregnancy in general, or intentionally introduce topics that lead the conversation into helpful territories.

Don’t succumb to the guilt.

Perhaps I am projecting, but to me, it is the emotion gripping most clinicians working in the perinatal space. “I would have, could have, should have,” Or the numerous GoFundMe messages, the outrage, the sadness. But protecting your peace isn’t about tuning out the world—it’s about recognizing that you are allowed to lay down what isn’t yours to carry. Keep your focus on what brings you strength and joy, and let the rest drift by. Your well-being is worth every intentional boundary you set.

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About the Author: Book an appointment

Nkechi Conteh, MBBS, MPH is a board-certified psychiatrist with an interest in women’s mental health, including emotional well-being during pregnancy and the postpartum period, and the founder of Conteh Psychiatry, a Women’s Mental Health Clinic. Dr. Conteh works with patients to understand their individual risks, treatment options, and support systems and believes conversations about maternal mental health should begin before a crisis develops. See more:

Medical Disclaimer

This article is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for

individualized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please discuss concerns about your symptoms, medications, or treatment with a qualified healthcare professional.

If you are experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency or believe you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911 or seek emergency medical care. In the United States, you may also call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.