As a clinical psychologist, I’ve noticed many clients who are experiencing an increase in distress linked to the recent media coverage of abuse in childcare centres.
For those who’ve experienced childhood sexual abuse, these stories can bring up overwhelming emotions like fear, anger, grief, confusion - even physical symptoms like panic or dissociation.
This reaction is not weakness. It’s your nervous system doing its job. It’s trying to protect you from danger, even if that danger is in the past. But when the trauma is reactivated, it can feel very present.
Here are some psychological strategies that may help:
Limit your media exposure – You don’t need to consume every update. Stay informed in small, manageable doses.
Ground yourself in the present – Use sensory strategies (touch, smell, sound) to anchor yourself. Try the “5-4-3-2-1” grounding technique.
Validate your response – You are not overreacting. Your feelings are valid.
Reach out for support – Talk to someone you trust. You don’t have to carry this alone.
Use containment strategies – Visualise a box or container where you can place distressing thoughts temporarily to revisit in therapy.
Remind yourself: You survived – And you are allowed to feel safe now.
If you are struggling, please don’t hesitate to reach out (www.myMHC.com.au). Healing is not linear, and moments like these can be especially hard. You are not alone.
#TraumaAwareness #CSARecovery #PsychologicalSafety #MediaTriggers #TraumaInformedCare #YouAreNotAlone #ChildhoodSexualAbuse #MentalHealthSupport #GroundingTechniques
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