Seeing horror pictures induces PTSD, emotional uneasiness affects life and seeks medical attention quickly

Article Zhang Jiahui “Ming Pao”

The Hong Kong Diamond Hill shopping mall murder case, the Yuen Long chainsaw murder case, the stray dog ​​run over in Ma On Shan, and the Itaewon Tragedy in South Korea, etc. related videos and images were circulated wildly on the Internet. In the post, some citizens were disturbed after watching these bloody and horrific images.

(Hong Kong News) Although Hong Kong has no official data for the time being, foreign studies have pointed out that the spread of large-scale disaster events by media and online platforms has an impact on the public’s psychology and can cause acute stress disorder (ASD). Can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Timid people are easily influenced by the environment

Traditional news media emphasizes professional ethics, and images that are excessively bloody and violent will be processed before they are published. However, photos taken by netizens, live videos, or CCTV clips, etc., are not edited and processed, and the pictures are more “shocking”, and they are also easy to go viral.

Zhang Hanqi, a specialist in psychiatry, appealed that when (after watching the video) you feel uneasy and feel that it affects your daily life, you need to see a professional for evaluation and treatment as soon as possible.

Clinical psychologist Sheng Qiting also reminded: If you find that you or your relatives and friends have these conditions, the sooner you seek medical treatment, the greater the chance of recovery.

Zhang Hanqi pointed out that most people will not have much negative impact when they see violent and bloody news, but timid people should pay more attention, “Because people have a self-protection mechanism, when they see someone being hurt, they think of themselves being hurt, and they are timid. people are more likely to be affected by the environment and have scary thoughts; but these are not classified as emotional problems, just a state of mind, not a big problem.”

However, if after watching these bloody and brutal clips, you continue to feel uneasy and panic uncontrollably, the situation occurs within one month, and it is generally regarded as “acute stress disorder” (ASD). Common symptoms include Insomnia, emotional numbness, and even a little panic, that is, “shoot him from behind, and the whole person will bounce”; avoid watching the news, even if there are no more frightening pictures; may often dream and recall the scene of the incident , Long-term impact on both life and work.

“When ASD symptoms affect life, professional evaluation and treatment are required, not necessarily drug treatment, but psychological treatment. However, if the patient finds it difficult to concentrate, the doctor may prescribe low-dose sleeping pills or sedatives depending on the situation. The short-term doses make it easier for them to get through this period of panic.”

Media networks cause less than 4% of PTSD

Will acute stress disorder worsen into post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) if not handled properly?

Sheng Qiting explained, “According to professional guidelines, when a person directly or indirectly experiences a major traumatic event, there may be a ‘flashback’ (flashback), traumatic scenes and memories reappear in the mind; or avoidance, numbness, hypervigilance, and generation and trauma Symptoms such as negative cognitions and emotions related to the event. If the above symptoms and emotions persist for more than 1 month and affect daily life, it may be included in the scope of PTSD.”

She pointed out that media and Internet dissemination of disaster events may bring negative emotions to the public, but according to foreign research, less than 4% of PTSD is caused by media and Internet dissemination.

“Human’s psychological mechanism has a natural healing ability. To a certain extent, it can face the pain caused by external pressure and the anxiety caused by disasters. The general public read the recent shopping mall murders, concert stage Accidents, industrial accidents, dismemberment cases, etc., generally feel uneasy; but repeated clips and vivid descriptions may make some people feel that they have personally experienced the scene, and their emotions will be disturbed.”

1 week mood did not improve need help

The individual’s spiritual and psychological quality, as well as the emotional support behind it, all affect the risk of PTSD.

Zhang Hanqi explained that people who are more timid or unable to bear the pressure may be more likely to be disturbed when they see a disaster; but if they have appropriate channels to vent, such as actively discussing and talking to friends to resolve their psychological panic, they will also be relieved. Helps reduce emotional distress.

As the so-called sickness tends to shallow Chinese medicine, Sheng Qiting believes that if you find that your emotions are more unstable in the face of disasters, you may wish to observe for a week to see if the problem has gradually diminished. During the period, you may wish to confide in your trusted relatives and friends. “If mood doesn’t improve after 1 week, it’s best to seek professional help.”

Normal life work and rest to relieve anxiety

In the case of PTSD, patients may experience “dissociation”—suddenly feel that things or the environment around them become unreal—seriously affecting daily life.

Sheng Qiting said that patients sometimes enter a state of daze and empty eyes.

“On the other hand, patients may fundamentally shake and change some inherent beliefs, and have negative perceptions and distrust of many things. At this time, it is necessary to seek professional treatment as soon as possible for early treatment.”

To reduce the risk of ASD or PTSD induced by external information, you must first do it yourself.

“When you feel uneasy after seeing these reports, you should know how to withdraw temporarily, and you should not read more; if you know that your will is weak, you might as well ask your friends around you to help remind yourself to stop reading.”

Sheng Qiting mentioned that at the same time, don’t blame yourself for being addicted to reading these information; in addition, maintaining a normal life schedule and doing some activities to relieve mood can also help relieve anxiety.

Find someone to share your feelings with

Do not follow disturbing news clips

People with anxiety or depression themselves are more likely to develop acute stress disorder (ASD).

But different things happen in the world every day, and news reports are sometimes unavoidable. How to prevent ASD?

Psychiatrist Zhang Hanqi pointed out that first of all, if you feel uneasy after seeing these news clips for the first time, you should stop watching them again;

“If you have religious beliefs, you can talk to fellow believers.”

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as appropriate

If the feeling of uneasiness is still not relieved, it is necessary to see a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist for a preliminary diagnosis; if psychological treatment fails to relieve it, it may be necessary to consider medication. In fact, current anti-anxiety and antidepressant drugs have good effects, such as serotonin and SNRI (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors); psychiatrists will also consider prescribing sleeping pills and tranquilizers.

In addition, the doctor will also advise the patient to receive psychological treatment at the same time, depending on individual circumstances or need cognitive behavioral therapy.

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