In a society that is more connected via social media and the internet than ever, we can experience the effects of violence on mental health. Additionally, with violent events appearing to occur more frequently, we can easily find ourselves involved in these types of traumatic events.
Violence in the Media
It seems like everywhere we look there is another mass shooting or war fighting for the headlines in the news. We don’t have to look far to see it. However, viewing these headlines vicariously exposes us to trauma. In which can lead to mental health challenges. As of late, our news feed has been filled with the mass shooting in Maine and the wars in Ukraine and Israel and Gaza. These events are horrific and devastating to witness. And, can dysregulate our nervous systems.
How to Distance Ourselves from the Media
There is good news in that we can take steps to create space between ourselves and the media we consume. A few tips are listed below for easy reading:
- Setting boundaries on the amount of time spent o
- Limit the amount of time spent consuming news after waking up and right before going to bed – starting the day with a sense of ease and ending with a sense of peace can help with overall wellbeing
- Deleting apps off of devices – take a break!
- Doing a 30 day cleanse from news and social media applications – see how your life changes from this!Â
What are Ways to Regulate a Dysregulated Nervous System
Noted above are great ways to set limits around news and social media consumption. Viewing violence in the media can dysregulate our nervous systems. However, the question remains, how do I regulate my nervous system if it becomes dysregulated?
- Connect with experiences where you feel fulfillment – snuggling with pets or family members or being in nature
- Find experiences that soothe your internal world – taking a bath or shower or maybe spending time on a walk
- Pleasurable aromas – the smell of fresh cut grass or after it rains
Polyvagal Theory informs much of what we know in regards to trauma therapy. Click here to read more about how Polyvagal Theory works and its impacts on your life.
Individual Trauma Therapist in Kenosha
At Revitalize Mental Health PLLC, we offer individual trauma therapy in-person as well as online throughout the state of Wisconsin. We are dedicated and trained to support addressing symptoms of trauma but more importantly internal healing so trauma no longer interrupts your life. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing and Somatic Experiencing Therapies are wonderful, evidenced-based tools to facilitate this internal healing. Click here to submit an online form or call us at 720.295.6703 to schedule a therapy session.
