Here in Wisconsin, just like every community across the country we're taking in the tragedy that happened in Nice in real time through Facebook, Twitter and news outlets. The images and stories flash across our computer screens so fast that many don't even know what their actually processing. NBC26 spoke with a local psychologist today to explain what taking in all of those images can do to you and your mental health.
If you went on the internet to find out what was happening in the early aftermath of the Nice killings, you likely saw a lot of things you weren't comfortable with including an overwhelming amount of death.
But these images are becoming more and more common place and it's hard to protect yourself and your kids from the horrible visuals. Some psychologists say that the constant pictures of death from random violent acts are contributing to post traumatic stress disorder and cases of anxiety.
"That causes a great deal of anxiety. I don't even think we're fully aware yet of the long term impacts some of these events are going to have on children and even adults 20-30-40 years from now," says Bellin Behavioral Health Psychologist Dr. Tara Robertson.
So what can you do to stay informed and at the same time avoid some of those lasting consequences?
Psychologists say don't let tragic events like what happened in Nice consume you. You should limit your families screen time during events like this. Dr. Robertson adds that you shouldn't be afraid to talk to your kids about what happened in an age appropriate manner. By doing that you’re not allowing the internet, to fill in the gaps.
