Reading the horrors within the Epstein files can have an impact on your mental health. Here are some ways to understand and manage the emotional impact.
In large doses, media exposure can be overwhelming, so pace yourself.The Epstein files detail correspondence of powerful, mostly white, rich men discussing and joking about their abuse of children, their pedophilia, and worse.
There is a disconcerting feeling, familiar from the uncovering of abuses by pedophilic priests, as we recognize that the public persona and the private actions don’t sync. Readers of the files feel shaken to the core as they read emails detailing decades of molestation, even murder. We have entered a horror movie without our consent. Part of being a psychotherapist is recognizing and validating pain. The role becomes especially important when society at large has been dismissive. As we learn more about Epstein and his colleagues, the daunting depth of American misogyny becomes clear. While there were male victims, it seemed much easier to find girls to exploit and harm. The female body was considered a disposable toy. A child’s bodily integrity was not of concern. It makes sense that you are feeling half -sick as you learn more about the flagrant child abuse of the Epstein clan. And the lack of concern for the victims’ well-being is not just in the past. At a recent Congressional hearing, Pam Bondi refused to turn around and look at the Epstein survivors. One doesn’t need to be male to dismiss female suffering — internalized misogyny exists. We note what officials in power didn’t do. The government has had this information for years, during Democratic and Republican administrations. They have files so disturbing that they can’t even release them to the public. So many powerful men with egregious, immoral behavior considered themselves untouchable. Wouldn’t the FBI or DOJ have the resources and staff protections to investigate a case like this? Women and their allies ask: In concerning emails, why is the name of the perpetrator redacted? Why are some victims identified? Why haven’t any of Epstein’s clients been prosecuted? Where is law “withoutresponded to reporter Kaitlan Collins’ question about the Epstein files by berating her because she wasn’t smiling. He reprimanded another female journalist with the phrase “Quiet piggy”. In each case, note what happens next. The other reporters pivoted to ask their own questions and moved on. They ignored the despicable treatment of their female colleague to obtain the information they wanted. In an alternate universe: What if each reporter had repeated their colleagues’ questions so Trump was unable to dodge them so easily? What if they all left the press conference to send a message that it is unacceptable to treat a fellow female reporter in this manner?There are two parts of this story that are immensely troubling — the abuse by seemingly normal public figures and the lack of adequate reaction to the abuse.of any wrongdoing, can make you doubt your own perception. Know your observations are accurate; those in need of protection have not been protected.Your anguish reflects your humanity. Talk to others and bear the weight together. If you feel distressed, it is because you have empathy. That is a good thing.While we need to be aware of what happened, it is also important to protect oneself. Research has shown an association between media exposure of, and dysphoria. One study showed that those with higher sympathetic reactivity have an increased risk of PTSD symptoms in response to low levels of media coverage of a traumatic event. Of note, with high media exposure, individuals with BOTH low and high sympathetic reactivity may develop significant PTSD symptoms. Information about the latest horrific finding may be popping up on one’s daily social media feed, bathing the consumer in information they may not be in a state to see. The take-home: Take care of yourself and your exposure to this information. I’m not saying that you hole yourself off from the world. It is important to consider the emotional impact of what you are learning and pace yourself accordingly.There aren’t as many allies as there should be or should have been — but they exist. Note the individuals in Congress who are pushing for transparency and accountability and support them. While there aren’t as many as one might like, the list is growing every day. Tune into those who are speaking out. A couple: Julie K. Brown’s fierce investigative reporting has been doggedly uncovering Epstein abuses for years and providing a voice for victims. Molly Jong-Fast’s recent posts and editorials put words to the rage, organizing the emotional experience. When facing aDon’t suffer alone if the information you are learning is turning your stomach and affecting your sleep. Talk to trusted friends and family. Talk to your therapist if you have one; if the news is causing sustained emotional distress, consider finding a therapist to help you process what is happening. If it would feel cathartic to use your platform to speak out, do so. Speak truth to power. Use your voice. We are not moving on. American women will not take this sitting down.Pfefferbaum B, Nitiéma P, Newman E. Is viewing mass trauma television coverage associated with trauma reactions in adults and youth? A meta-analytic review.Busso DS, McLaughlin KA, Sheridan MA. Media exposure and sympathetic nervous system reactivity predict PTSD symptoms after the Boston Marathon bombings.is a child adolescent and adult psychiatrist in private practice and on faculty at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts.Self Tests are all about you. Are you outgoing or introverted? Are you a narcissist? Does perfectionism hold you back? Find out the answers to these questions and more with Psychology Today.
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