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The news media often gets accused of not reporting any positive news.

One doesn’t have to look far, it seems, to find negativity these days. There have been studies about how too much exposure to the 24-hour news cycle and the overuse of social media can lead to poor mental health outcomes. A new term has been coined for the overuse of social media and the negative exposure that results, just in recent months: “doomscrolling.”

Many people these days are seeking the balance between, on the one hand, being informed and speaking up for causes they believe in and, on the other hand, making sure they focus on their mental health so they can be there for themselves and their families.

The Suffolk News-Herald has always strived to bring balance to our readers. You will find lots of positive news here. And, while there has been enough negative news to go around this year, there has been lots of uplifting news items, too. Here’s just a reminder of some from other pages of this paper and some other recent editions. Whether you’re reading this online or in print, let your eyes scroll these words and take in a little “joyscrolling.”

• Annie Land turned 100 years old on Friday. Her life is a testament to how faith in God, community involvement and a joyful spirit can lead to being blessed with old age.
• Suffolk — specifically, Lakeland High School — has one of the best social studies teachers in the United States by almost any measure you want to use. India Meissel, with 34 years of teaching experience, continues to be recognized for her dedication to her students. She was named 2020 Virginia History Teacher of the Year by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.
• The Workforce Opportunity Wednesday events presented by the Economic Development Department got going this week after a one-week delay occasioned by a tropical storm. A socially-distanced opportunity for jobseekers to meet employers in person was probably just what was needed for those in need in this time.

This is just a small sampling of some of the great stories we’ve had lately. As always, if you know of a story that needs to be covered, email us at news@suffolknewsherald.com.