'I'm thankful for those who stuck with us,' says mental health advocate
It comes as TV presenter and mental health advocate Aidy Smith says it's 'so good' to open conversations around doomscrolling
As we mark Pride Month - TV presenter and mental health advocate Aidy Smith says it's 'so good' to open conversations around doomscrolling - as a recent survey has revealed Brits are spending 11 days a year doing it.
The poll, conducted with 3,000 UK adults, found that 43% experience emotional overwhelm due to the frequent appearance of tragic or frightening news on their social media feeds.
The findings are in line with Mind’s Big Mental Health Report's indication that approximately one in five adults in England are currently battling common mental health issues.
The survey, commissioned by Collins Debden's new brand Jumble & Co, shows a more pronounced impact on women.
Almost half of women (49%) reported negative effects on their emotional wellbeing due to social media, while this percentage drops to 36% among men.
Aidy told Hits Radio Pride: "If you think about the world we're living in today, our precious time to be in our own minds is getting shorter and shorter, which is why moments like this, when we realise how much time doomscrolling takes up, are really important.
"There's a multitude of things that I do which really help to stop this.
"It's all about self-care, and a great example of this is that I meditate every day, and go on a walk too.
"I think one of the most fundamental changes I've had it talking to myself in journaling, and answering the intentional questions about how I am.
"There's nothing more cathartic than writing stuff down on paper and reading down what you have written."
'We remember these moments where people did show up'
Aidy is the only global TV presenter with Tourette Syndrome - and is one of the few openly gay personalities within the drinks industries.
He features on Amazon's 'The Three Drinkers', dubbed by critics as 'the Top Gear of drinks', and has been telling Hits Radio Pride just what the month of June means to him.
He said: "I am thankful for all of those who have stuck with the community during what has been such a difficult time.
"We're all aware that there's been a downsize in general help across inclusion, and a shift of support, and all underrepresented communities will remember these moments where people did show up."
Spending a career exploring the spectrum of what drinks have to offer, Aidy said it's an exciting year for him... even if he can't reveal all just yet.
Aidy added: "This Pride is very exciting as I'll be taking over a cocktail menu, creating a special Pride edition for The Treehouse Hotel in London!
"One of them may be spicy, I can tell you that.
"I'm also going to be hosting the Netflix Pride Party - so there's lots going on, and lots to be thankful and grateful for."
It's not just alcoholic beverages, either, in Aidy's drinks cabinet, having recently developed a must-visit guide with First Choice for the discerning Gen Z traveller fancying a sober trip.
He said: "Within the alcohol free world right now, we're so lucky, because the market is absolutely exploding.
"All you have to do is look at what your local supermarket has in stock, check out the flavours... and just explore with it.
"You're not short of choice!"
And if you wanted his favourite queer destination - well, one to add to the shortlist is a little more off the beaten track.
Aidy told Hits Radio Pride: "Vermont is awesome.
"I think there's an older generation of individuals there - and when we think of LGBT, we always think about places to go for a party, but let's talk to those who have fought for our rights, and give them some love.
"Think about your community, and spread the love with those who came before you - the forefathers and foremothers, of course!"
The research was commissioned by Jumble & Co - and £1 from every journal is being donated to the charity, Mind.