ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR)-- Negative headlines may be leading our culture down a path it may not want to travel.

"If we're constantly being bombarded with traumatic images, then we're going to have at least somewhat of a similar response to someone who is being directly traumatized," explained Dr. Erin Fisher, professor of psychology at Rock Valley College.

Fisher believes with the constant exposure to negative headlines on television and social media our society is going through a change.

"There's a concept called collective trauma," explained Fisher. "Which now is sort of morphing into some ideas of cultural trauma and a collective identity of a traumatized society."

Which means we as a society are starting show signs of always being in a heightened state of fight or flight.

"It's not surprising that we have higher than average rates of depression, higher than average rates of anxiety," said Fisher.

Dr. Alesia Jones, clinical psychologist at the University of Illinois Chicago, said anyone who's been through similar events, as seen in the headlines, may be affected quicker.

"Individuals who have had past experiences either directly or indirectly are more vulnerable to experiencing more significant psychological and emotional reactions," explained Jones.

Fisher believes the cultural impact is already spreading.

"Do we even realize that some of the behaviors, or problems that we see, or breakdown in families are the result of chronic collective trauma?" asked Fisher.

According to Fisher, this level of constant exposure forces our systems to start detaching from emotions.

"If you have to chronically push down sadness and fear and anger," explained Fisher. "The default is also to eventually chronically push down joy and love and affection."

Fisher already sees this, to a degree, in her students and her own daughter.

"She says her generation sees a cruelty in life they have to learn accept," said Fisher. "I think that steals joy. It doesn't eliminate it completely, but it steals the joy they feel."

But not all is lost, Fisher believes if we remind ourselves to find happiness in the little things, we may be able to hold onto it.

"The happier you are and the more you force yourself to be happier, the idea would be your brain actually begins to produce more chemicals that will help you make yourself feel happy," said Fisher.

Fisher understands the media is a business and said sadly they get stuck in a ratings scheme, which means generally leading with negative headlines, but there are things we can do to take back control of our mental health.

When we see a barrage of bad news, share a good news story on your social media and with friends. Participate in self-care with proper eating and sleeping, and if things start feeling like they are getting out of control, see a specialist before it's too late.

Fisher says the other thing we can do if we feel like we are becoming overwhelmed is deep breathing exercises or yoga. Dr. Jones says take time to unplug from social media and news outlets to find some time for yourself.