Hey everyone
I’m new here and I just downloaded this app hoping it might help me.
I’m not sure if this counts as trauma, but some time ago I met someone online and they added me to a group chat. Everything was okay at first, but then I realized many of them were very sadistic and kept sending extremely violent content. Things like people being beheaded, tortured, or photos of people whose facial skin was completely removed and covered in blood.
I left the group, blocked all of them, and cut contact. But since then I feel very bad because of what I saw. I have nightmares almost every night, I lost my appetite, and I often feel nauseous. I don’t know what to do 😖
Goodness me, I don't even like watching horror movies because it disturbs me, I can't even fathom how you feel.
I'm so glad you took the necessary steps to distance yourself. Is there anyone you can talk to about this?
When I'm feeling yucky and vulnerable, I try to counteract it with a feeling of being safe. You can write/vent out your feelings.
Reassure yourself that you did nothing wrong, you were preyed upon by people without a conscience.
Are there any feelgood movies or songs that have a calming influence?
I try to replace the scary images with happier memories.
Hello 👋
Thank you for your reply and for being kind.🙂
Unfortunately I don't really have anyone to talk to about this. I haven't had any friends for about five or six years and I'm used to being alone. That one time I tried to give it a chance and connect with new people, I ended up meeting those sadistic people and now I feel like this.
If I told my parents, they would probably blame me for trusting people and joining that group chat.
I've tried to distract myself by listening to music, watching TV, or doing other things, but those images suddenly come back into my mind and I can't stop them. I thought I would feel better after some time, but I didn't.
I usually deal with my problems alone, but this time I can't seem to help myself. That's why I'm here. 🤕
I'm happy to listen. I had a quick look on Googly, as I call it, to see what it recommends.. Just as back up ideas.
Some are the suggestions are as follows :)
When the horrible imagery appears, either stay with it and change the details, make it silly as though it's a form of comedy/cartoon, immediately replace it with a nicer happier memory.
Occupy your brain with a thinker, puzzles, crossword, brain teasers, scrabble, so your brain focuses on that instead.
Lastly create your own safe space, try and focus on a time in your life when you felt carefree, it might help, you can also try deep breathing.
I personally use asmr videos, I find that calms me and try and focus on what you have to do each day.
Food wise, try and snack on things you really crave or make fruity drinks, smoothies, milkshakes, anything easy like soups :)
Thank you so much for your suggestions and your kindness. I will definitely try these ideas for a few days to see if they help.
Regarding food, as you mentioned, I eat light meals and avoid meat, even though I used to like meat.
Keeping my mind occupied with puzzles and such really helps, because those images come into my mind less often. I enjoy playing chess, and I think it can be helpful too.
Thanks again for your support and understanding. 🫂🤍
@snfjkgnfk4748 That's no problem. Just voicing something instead of letting it go around in your mind is a step forward :)
Yes I find myself eating less meat also, cravings just go up and down ha. I'm currently just heating up some veggy samosas actually, completely forgot about them lol.
Gaming is good, sometimes I need all of my concentration on it.
Regarding the safe space option, you can even make it colourful with candles, coloured note paper, post it notes with positive words, anything you like :)
