The problem is that if you allow the news to affect you so much that it impairs your mental health, you become less able to do anything to effect positive chang

The problem is that if you allow the news to affect you so much that it impairs your mental health, you become less able to do anything to effect positive change in the world, and more easily influenced by the emotionally-charged, manipulative trash that makes up so much of what is presented as news. If someone's mental health is impaired by exposure to the news, a period of detox is necessary. Consuming more of it won't help them or the rest of the world while they're in that state, and indeed will likely do more harm by perpetuating the cycle. A person in such a state would be far better off taking some time to improve their ability to discern between useful news and trash, and to become more able to use their knowledge of the news to inspire positive action.