Distressing videos can have a lasting impact here's how to look after yourself in the wake of the Bondi attack | Ahona Guha

"When terrible events such as yesterday's attack occur, we often race to find out as much as possible about what happened. We do so by trawling social media and news sites. This is a natural way of making sense of events, and reflects a human urge to know what is occurring around us in order to keep us safe. Sometimes it's a more prurient interest, like the way we slow down to look at a crash."

"But while taking in as much information as possible is a common stress response after an acute incident, it can create other stress responses such as poor sleep; nightmares; feeling shocked, angry or panicked; struggling with fatigue and concentration; feeling hopeless and helpless. All these reactions are to be expected in the face of witnessing or experiencing an overwhelming trauma, and must be monitored carefully."

"When an event like this is filmed and broadcast, we may unexpectedly encounter violent and distressing imagery and not realise until later that consumption of this material may have had lasting and harmful psychological impacts. The benefits of viewing some of this imagery is limited we don't need to see every graphic video to know what has occurred and the impact of doing so may be substantial."

Exposure to graphic footage of violent events can produce lasting and harmful psychological impacts for both victims’ families and viewers. Seeking detailed information after acute incidents is a common human response but can trigger stress reactions including poor sleep, nightmares, shock, anger, panic, fatigue, concentration problems, hopelessness and helplessness. Widespread filming and broadcasting of trauma removes controls over who sees the imagery and amplifies harm. Viewing unnecessary graphic material is of limited benefit because people can understand events without seeing every graphic video. Repeated or unexpected exposure to violent imagery can provoke intrusive memories and strengthen trauma-related beliefs, increasing distress.

Read at www.theguardian.com