Disturbing

Hey, what do you do if you watch a documentary that’s really upsetting and disturbing. I can’t get it out of my head and mentioning it will only make me more upset. I’m trying to distract myself, but I’m still real upset and I’m not enjoying stuff as much. I’m trying to pray, but I’m still upset. How can I come to terms with harsh realities about life? 😥😪

[tim_tam]

I do my best to distract, and sometimes that takes a while. You could try multiple distractions at once or ones that require more physical or mental engagement. After that I do my best to avoid triggers or gently push the thoughts away if they come back. It's taken a while and a lot of practice, but you'll get there. If this doesn't work I'd recommended sharing with someone you feel comfortable with or journaling, sometimes having it out there in a physical space or with someone else helps to put distance between the disturbing thoughts and myself. Best of luck, we're rooting for you!

[LittleDucky]

I’ve had a bunch of moments in my life when I had to learn about some harsh realities in life. One of them was in a social problems sociology class and learning about some of the things that happen on the East Coast that are pretty nasty that we don’t ever see over here in Oregon. I won’t specify what it is but it messed me up pretty bad for a while. Also in becoming an addiction counselor I have heard some stories that really disturbed and upset me about my clients and what they’ve been through and what caused them to become addicted addicted to drugs. It used to bring me down and tell I found ways to channel that feeling of being disturbed about life and how dark it can get for some people. One thing I do is research resources that can help my patients because once I’m helping someone I can still have the disturbing thing in my head but it’s not just sitting there, I am doing some thing about it. Also sometimes replacing it is better for me than distracting myself so I find some thing that is the opposite of the harsh reality but also very true. This might be a documentary about puppies or some of those beautiful planet earth documentaries where you get to see things that are real beautiful. You could also have a conversation with yourself in your head or in a journal talking about what bothered you the most, what you were shocked by the most, what you’re afraid of the most now. Sometimes when we learn something disturbing and it sits with us it’s not just a dark reality that shocked us it’s a new fear that we are suddenly facing. Once we know what that fear is we know what to do with it or at the very least we can ask for help figuring it out. I’m sorry you’ve had this experience, it’s some thing I’m familiar with and so I can really empathize with you. I can also remind you that while there are some harsh realities in life there are also some incredibly beautiful amazing moments that will stick in your head just as much. Simple things like hearing children laugh at the playground or a small animals reaction to a bit of food. Simple things that make your heart feel light. There are also people out there working night and day to make the world a better place and they’re literally living out their hearts wishes. And I think these replacements for the darker things in life, I think we need them in order to balance everything out in our mind.

[RollingThunder]

Hi, I have stopped watching any programs that upset me while I am depressed. No sense, adding another log to the fire. I like to watch comedies, game shows, America’s Funniest Videos, etc. these shows are not very intellectually challenging But they are amusing! Why watch something that you know will be upsetting to you? When I feel better I watch the History Channel, travelogues and documentaries and even then if they are paranormal, Sci Fi or ghosts, I won’t watch them. I am sensitive, and easily suggestible, so I stay away from them. Politics make me angry enough!Hugs 🤗

[dubstepMaul]

Hi Anne, when I'm upset like that I too pray. Just tell God what's disturbing you, empty your heart to Him. Also the suggestion of funny videos is a good one. One of my "self care" strategies is the Netflix series Puss in Boots. It's silly but it makes my smile.

God bless.

[Hidden in reply to dubstepMaul]

Thanks for the support. That means a lot to me. I watch Nadiya Hussain, from the British baking show. She has her own shows and I watch her bake. There’s something so satisfying about that.