PNS | DEHRADUN
Experts have indicated that the dissemination of messages and videos on social media following the tragic incident in Dehradun, where six young adults lost their lives, may result in feelings of depression and trauma for the parents involved.
Recently, a devastating accident claimed the lives of six young adults in Dehradun, followed by videos and comments on social media. In light of this, experts pointed out that the messages, videos and comments circulating in connection with this incident could have a traumatising effect on the parents and impact their mental well-being. They have advised parents to take a break from social media for the time being.
Apart from this, recently a father whose daughter, Kamakshi Singhal, was among those who died in the accident, has appealed to the public to refrain from sharing false information about her on social media. He shared via his account that such actions are negatively impacting his and his wife’s mental health.
In view of this, a clinical neuropsychologist Dr Sona Kaushal Gupta said that some individuals active on social media have been circulating comments and information related to the recent accident resulting in the deaths of six young adults. This behaviour involves unfairly scrutinising the character of these individuals in order to gain attention and increase their online following. However, such actions can be highly distressing for the parents of the deceased young adults. Despite their efforts to cope and move forward, they may be constantly reminded of the tragic events through the widespread dissemination of messages on social media. This can lead to feelings of depression, trauma, frustration and other emotional difficulties for the parents, potentially even resulting in post-traumatic stress disorder.
Therefore, it is recommended that parents of the affected young adults distance themselves from social media and focus on activities such as spirituality, counselling sessions and other forms of distraction. As they must focus on their own healing process, it is important to recognise that they cannot control the spread of messages on social media. It is crucial for parents to understand that they should not blame themselves for accidents, as they are acting in the best interest of their children, whether in the present or the past, she added.
Clinical psychologist Pratibha Sharma highlighted the influence of social media on the younger generation, who may engage in a culture of assigning blame. In such situations, parents of the deceased young adults are advised not to take negative comments or posts regarding accidents on social media seriously. Engaging with such content may lead parents to feelings of depression, trauma and even thoughts of self-harm. It is important to prioritise mental well-being and not let outside opinions dictate one’s emotional state. Parents of young adults should consider attending counselling sessions. In addition, it is advised that individuals engaged in social media discontinue discussing this distressing event, as it may adversely affect the mental well-being of their parents, she said.
