Overcoming Disturbing Media: Techniques and Treatment Options

It's not uncommon to encounter disturbing media at a young age, which can leave lasting impressions. Whether it's through horrible movies, disturbing videos, or horrific pictures, these experiences can resurface in your mind and affect your daily life. It's important to address these memories, as they may impact your well-being. However, before diving into intense methods, consider seeking support from a professional.

If you have tried therapy without success, or prefer alternative approaches, here are some techniques you can explore:

Engaging in Immersion Therapy

Immersion therapy is a technique that involves surrounding yourself with the very things that trigger your discomfort. This might seem counterintuitive, but it has its logic. In some cases, facing the source of your fear head-on can help alleviate the intensity of your reactions over time.

Going back to the example of a bee, it is suggested that if you are afraid of bees, you might expose yourself to a large number of them. However, this approach should be taken with caution and possibly under professional guidance. The same concept applies to watching disturbing media. As you progress through life, the context in which you encounter the media has evolved, and you may find that the impact diminishes significantly.

My Personal Technique: Disassociative Relaxation

One technique I have found helpful is focusing on disassociation and relaxation. This involves achieving a deep state of calm to help you process these intense memories more easily. Here's how it works:

Step 1: Create a Comfortable Environment

Find a quiet, cozy space where you won't be disturbed. Sit in a comfortable position and adjust your lighting to a dim, inviting level. This setting should allow you to focus on your breathing and meditation techniques.

Step 2: Achieve a State of Relaxation

As you sit in this dark and serene environment, concentrate on your breathing. Allow your diaphragm to expand and contract naturally, and focus on the movement of your lungs. Try to achieve a state of relaxation where your body is almost lifeless, with your only movement being your breathing.

Step 3: Focus on Disturbing Memories

Once you have reached this state of deep relaxation, allow your mind to drift towards the disturbing memories. Imagine these thoughts and images as a river flowing past, and picture them disappearing over a cliff. Work on maintaining a detached, observing mindset as you experience these memories.

Step 4: Practice Regularly

Consistency is key when using this technique. Start by practicing a few times a week, and gradually build up your sessions. Over time, you will likely find that these memories become less impactful and easier to manage.

Understanding Behind the Scenes: How Media Is Made

For some, understanding the process behind the making of these media can be therapeutic. This knowledge can help demystify and contextualize the content, making it less frightening. For example, I remember my parents explaining how Hollywood movies are made, and that helped me realize that the fear and horror I felt were often exaggerated.

Some specific examples include:

Watching how a film like Jaws creates its suspense and fear through editing and sound effects. Learning about the The Hills Have Eyes and how it uses jump scares and misleading shots.

Understanding these techniques can strip away the fear you once felt and provide a more balanced perspective.

Seeking Professional Help

While self-help techniques can be beneficial, it's important to acknowledge when professional help is needed. If you find that these memories are affecting your daily life, consider seeking therapy. A therapist can provide personalized support and guidance to help you navigate and overcome these challenges.

In conclusion, by understanding the techniques like immersion therapy and disassociation, and by seeking help from professionals, you can work towards resolving the impact of disturbing media on your mental health. Remember, it's okay to seek help, and there are effective methods available to address these issues.