Sometimes it can be very difficult to deal with seeing disturbing images and videos, whether they have appeared on your social media feeds, are all over the news, or are featured in that TV show that everyone is obsessed with. It's perfectly normal to experience a range of emotions when this occurs, both during and long after the event. If you see a disturbing image or video, some of the emotions you might experience include:
What can you do when you see disturbing videos and images?
- Take Actions
Report the image or video on the platform you are on. You can always report any online images or videos that you believe to be offensive, unlawful, or violent to eSafety.
- Talk it Out
Talk to a family member or trusted friend about your feelings if it makes you feel better. In addition to helping you make sense of what you've just witnessed, they might offer support or understanding.
What can you do to help manage those emotions?
- Find your Joy
Make a cup of tea, read a book, go outside in the fresh air, or listen to some soothing music if you need to decompress. Consider focusing on the things that make you happy such as what you’re grateful for. You might find it helpful to add some things you are grateful for in this thread here about gratitude.
- Seek Extra Support
Getting professional assistance is a good idea if you're going through a really challenging time. Speaking with a mental health professional or GP can help you figure out what's causing your feelings and what steps you can take to address them.
You can find out more about how you can cope with disturbing videos and other sensitive content here.
How do you cope with seeing disturbing or sensitive content online?
