Graphic social posts may trigger mental health issues
AUSTIN (KXAN) — In today’s world there is a camera at almost every event, which allows almost anyone to live stream or post video’s to social media instantly.
That was the case this week as X, Instagram and Facebook were filled with video of Charlie Kirk being assassinated.
Many of these videos offering little to no warning of the graphic video.
KXAN spoke with mental health experts about the impacts these graphic videos can have on your mental health.
“If you are scrolling on social media which I think everybody does, you see one thing and then it changes your algorithm on social media and now you are seeing all kinds of content,” said Lauren Sullivan.
That can mean more and more death and destruction in your social media feed says Sullivan, a licensed professional counselor with Lauren Sullivan Counseling here in Central Texas. She says the more harmful content you take in the more it can impact your mental health.
“The more you see it, it is like the repetition, the more it kind of sits in your brain and it can change your mood, especially if you have pre-existing mental health things going on, it can trigger those things,” said Sullivan.
Over at the Christi Center, Jocelyn Chamra Barrera helps people dealing with grief, she said these videos and posts can be harmful for those who have lived through similar events or lost a loved one in a similar way.
“Seeing this again is something that absolutely can challenge and create symptoms of PTSD and impact peoples daily living,” said Chamra Barrera.
Both experts said if you feel anger or sadness starting to rise, then you should take a break or disconnect from social media.
“Turning off apps at a certain time, turning off notifications,” said Barrera.
Reaching out to a mental health professional is also a good option, said Sullivan.
If you would like to reach out to talk to someone you can find out more here.
