Guam Behavioral: How to talk with your kids on circulating disturbing videos

How do you deal with a traumatizing video popping up on your feed without a trigger warning? 

“We always like to be independent and autonomous in our viewing choices. But sometimes things pop up and we don’t know or we can’t control that,” said Kirstianna Whitman, Guam Focus on Life Project Director at the Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center.

Many among the community saw a disturbing video widely circulated on social media over the weekend.  

KUAM confirmed a man attempted to die by suicide in Hagatna early Saturday morning.

“If you are the recipient of that, the first thing I’d say is if it’s something you don’t think should be shared, try not to share it,” said Whitman. 

Dr. Kristianna Whitman is a licensed professional Counselor and Guam Behavorial Health and Wellness Center’s Suicide Prevention Program ‘Focus on Life’ Project Director.  

This Suicide Prevention Month, she said GBHWC is placing emphasis on changing the narrative and starting the conversation on an often stigmatized topic. 

“I think it’s very natural for you to kind of take a pause and really process what you have seen and how this can impact you for the rest of the day. And if it is something that you need to process with someone else, do that. Whether it's with a friend, partner or whoever is at home with you,” said Whitman. 

It’s a hard but important conversation to have, especially for parents with children who have seen the traumatizing video.

“Unfortunately, we can’t always control what they are viewing also, especially if it's not associated with some sort of warning. A lot of these viral videos are just shared. They’re not screened or anything else. So if we don’t have that active gauge on what children are watching unfortunately, talk with them. Hopefully our kids will tell us what the thing was that was disturbing to them,” she added. 

She said an honest and healthy conversation is always the way to go. 

It’s also an educational opportunity to talk about suicide and the resources available to them. 

“Great that you were able to have this conversation with them about it, but also if they are feeling disturbing feelings at school, who can they go up to at school, if it's their school counselor. The other piece I like to add in regard to kids is our peers are also very powerful messengers. So if you have a child that is willing to talk to you about a situation that is disturbing, encourage your child to share that same message with their friends because they may not have that same space to share those feelings so let them know that there are resources for their friends also,” she added. 

If you are feeling suicidal, talk to somebody. Call, text or chat 988. The 988 lifeline is available 24/7, with trained lifeline specialists ready to assist those in need. 

The Guam Focus on Life Team also provides free suicide prevention trainings. You can email [email protected] to avail of this service.