Social Media & Chronic Trauma: The Impact of Police Brutality and Social Media Imagery on Mental Health

Samantha Silverberg, LPC

July 11, 2020

Anxiety, Anger, Depression, Events, Grief, Health, In The Press, Lifestyle, Stress, Trauma

Social Media & Chronic Trauma: The Impact of Police Brutality and Social Media Imagery on Mental Health

As protestors continue to take to the streets across the country, highlighting ongoing systemic racism, social media is amplifying these messages. Videos and photos depicting police violence toward protestors such as shooting them with rubber bullets, driving cruisers into crowds, and throwing tear gas at protestors can be viewed daily, across social media platforms. According to research, while this imagery shines light on racism and aims to bolster efforts in fighting it, the explosion of content can also cause and reinforce trauma, especially for black people. Trauma and the possibility of symptoms of PTSD can occur due to the accumulation of experiences of racism and discrimination.

Samantha Silverberg, LPC

July 11, 2020

Events, Grief, Health, In The Press, Lifestyle, Stress, Trauma

Understanding Mental Health and Racial Trauma

Samantha Silverberg, LPC

July 11, 2020

Events, Grief, Health, In The Press, Lifestyle, Stress, Trauma

Understanding Mental Health and Racial Trauma

It is reported that 20% of Black Americans are more likely to report symptoms of psychological distress than their white counterparts (MHA, 2020). Black teenagers are also more likely to attempt suicide than their white counterparts, and Black Americans are more likely to be victims of serious violent crimes than white Americans - thus leading to symptoms fulfilling criteria for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) (MHA, 2020). Racialized trauma plays a large role in these astounding numbers and the ongoing cycle of violence so many experience.

Samantha Silverberg, LPC

July 11, 2020

Anxiety, Depression, Events, Grief, Health, In The Press, Lifestyle, Stress, Trauma

Racial Inequality & Brain Development

Samantha Silverberg, LPC

July 11, 2020

Anxiety, Depression, Events, Grief, Health, In The Press, Lifestyle, Stress, Trauma

Ongoing media coverage and public outcry among many upsetting incidents across our country have sparked rage, anger, sadness, and action across not only our country, but the world. Conversations around race relations and biases within ourselves and the justice system, against individuals of color have been building and growing. From George Floyd to Breonna Taylor, Michael Brown and other lesser known cases such as the beating of homeless grandmother Marlene Pinnock, psychology is an important topic within the discussion on racial inequality and racial biases in America.