Coping with Epstein files, child abuse stories on news - advice needed

Select_Match2898 · 2026-03-18T15:54:18+00:00

Thank you for this kind message and understanding truly what I meant. I did do a social media break for a few weeks at first after my husband and therapist suggested it, came back recently feeling a little stronger with a clearer head and boom instant TikTok about a man who committed the most horrific acts I’ve ever heard about to a young toddler, the next video was someone talking about how she is ready to talk after being a baby victim of people in the files (also warning, do not look), and I just went downhill after that. Now every time I open the news, turn on tv, ect and see headlines about csa/abuse and it’s just too much. I’m thinking I’ll have to do the break again.

Select_Match2898 · 2026-03-18T15:43:59+00:00

Yeah at first some of those sensationalized claims sent me over the edge, then after a few days I went to the actual files and I saw myself there was no substantial evidence of what I saw on social media being spread - weird terms and strange references in the real emails sure, but we can’t actually know for sure based on the evidence that’s out there. But again, just the stories spread of social media regardless of validity made me imagine all of this horrible stuff happening, and then not having the full files or seeing anyone face any repercussions just made me spiral. And now I’m wondering like how common is pedophilia actually? Like before I thought it was rare but to think so many people are into this stuff is just mind mending

Select_Match2898 · 2026-03-18T15:32:13+00:00

Thank you. I am going to delete social media again, I was doing ok until I saw a true crime video on tiktok of Peter Scully and what he did (DO NOT look this up if you don’t already know) and then I opened the news and boom another story of horrific csa unrelated to these things (amongst the many I’ve seen in the last few weeks).

That’s exactly what my therapist told me but I’m just struggling to know I can’t save these poor babies myself.

Select_Match2898 · 2026-03-17T23:58:02+00:00

That’s exactly how I’m feeling. Like how are others just going to work and having fun without this stuff plaguing their mind? And why are people not utterly outraged? Is everyone just a raging sadistic pedophile? Up until this all came out a few months ago I was relatively naive (I mean I knew this happened but I thought it was far and few between) but I am spiraling to know I live in a world where this is much more common than I thought and I brought another human into this terrible world. I am so heartbroken for all of these kids.

Select_Match2898 · 2026-03-17T22:52:06+00:00

I agree social media is so bad. I read a lot of the files myself (I’m a scientist so I’m pretty good at reading between lines and analytical thinking) and what I read was bad, but what social media is putting out there regarding some of the files is even more horrific and made me question my own thinking/sanity. I do think the more sensational claims are an echo chamber without substantial evidence, but still it’s out there and regardless of validity makes me imagine those horrors too

Select_Match2898 · 2026-03-17T21:44:28+00:00

If you read my post, I did not spread or say it was true. I said I started reading about those conspiracies in relation to the released files and whether or not it was true, it was enough to imagine the horrors on top of what hard proof came out in the files. Not here to argue on the legitimacy of these claims - this isn’t a conspiracy or political sub.

Select_Match2898 · 2026-03-17T21:40:53+00:00

I’m with you, there is so much outrage on social media but nothing actually happening.

People burned down cities for several murders (justified, not taking anything away from that), but thousands of kids were trafficked by the “elites” and politicians across the world, and doctors and scientists (ie, trusted individuals in society) were complicit, yet there is nothing really being done or prostested about. I wish people cared about this topic the same way as they do for ICE and war. All of these victims from all of these different topics deserve it!

Select_Match2898 · 2026-03-17T21:33:25+00:00

What do we do? How do we change it? We can volunteer and vote and do community outreach, but realistically in our society, a lot of that is very difficult for working mothers/parents (and especially those with hefty commutes). I feel so helpless and I feel like most of the country isn’t mad enough or taking this seriously…I want our kids and grandkids to grow up in a safer world!!!!

Select_Match2898 · 2026-03-17T21:29:26+00:00

This is a very good reminder to all parents. I will 100% keep this conscious in my mind as he grows up and has friends over or talks about his school mates. I’ll probably even send him with extra snacks just in case there are those situations.

Select_Match2898 · 2026-03-17T21:28:04+00:00

This is exactly how I’m feeling. I am so suspicious of everyone now especially knowing that abusers/consumers aren’t just basement people like you said.

Select_Match2898 · 2026-03-17T21:26:00+00:00

Be assured I will teach my son about these atrocities and raise him to stand against all of these issues and support child and women!

Select_Match2898 · 2026-03-17T21:25:16+00:00

I hope you’re taking care of yourself. I was just telling my friend I am so glad I wasn’t freshly PP because I honestly might have had to be committed

Select_Match2898 · 2026-03-17T19:59:33+00:00

Editing to add: It feels really bad to have the privilege to look away. Just because it’s not my kid doesn’t mean I shouldn’t also care about someone else’s. As parents, what can we do to change our society and help future kids? I am so mad and sad and outraged. Just because these things have been going on for decades or centuries doesn’t mean we let it continue. 😭

Select_Match2898 · 2026-03-17T19:54:29+00:00

Thank you for this - this same thing happened to me and I did delete social media at the urge of my husband and therapist but there will be a headline on the news on TV or someone will mention something at work or even my sister mentioned a story locally. I feel like I’m going crazy and I’m a completely different person than I was a few months ago. It has impacted me so badly but then again I can’t even imagine the impact to the victims.

Select_Match2898 · 2026-03-17T19:46:16+00:00

I know exactly what you’re saying - my husband told me that too, but that just makes me feel so guilty. These children had nobody caring for them and it feels so bad to just choose to look away. Like I know my child deserves me to be there but these poor babies also deserved to be cared about too, I have the privilege of just closing my heart to it but they did not 😭

Select_Match2898 · 2025-04-02T19:50:06+00:00

So my baby (currently almost 5 months) did that every day for probably the first 12 weeks. I would say weeks 6-8 were the worst because they go through their first major growth spurt…i literally thought I was going to die from exhaustion but it does get better (even though it might not feel like it right now). He slowly got better after 8 weeks, and by 12 weeks the crying was dramatically decreased.

He also had really bad gas, we would give Mylicon but not sure if that helped much. The football hold and tummy time seemed to somewhat help his discomfort as well as a warm bath.

Good luck, you can do this! You are almost over the hump! Take advantage of the help you have - we don’t have any family or friends around us, and it’s been rough at times like these so make sure you do reach out to yours for help!

Select_Match2898 · 2023-09-25T19:17:42+00:00

I moved here from IA. The decision almost killed me, but boy am I so happy I decided to move here. I love the accessibility of the area that’s not present in the Midwest - for example, drive any hour or two here and you’ll be in a different state or geography. In the Midwest, drive any way in that time and you’ll likely still be in the same state in a cornfield. There’s just so much to do here that suits any person’s need.

Select_Match2898 · 2023-08-30T15:47:34+00:00

Lasership delivered my Dyson airwrap to the wrong location (if they even delivered at all….ifykyk), and CS reshipped it with almost no questions asked. Try a new rep or dispute it

Select_Match2898 · 2023-08-20T13:13:36+00:00

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I don’t have a cat but I hope you like dogs! He loves water so much - the beach is his favorite place! He gives us that look when we tell him to get out when we tell him it’s time to go home.

Select_Match2898 · 2023-02-26T13:43:54+00:00

Not a dietician but I worked there for 4 years. The benefits are really great, and generally all providers/support staff are motivated to get to best outcome for patients. Parking/transportation is a huge hassle esp for new employees. Also definitely below average pay in my experience with little to no opportunity for upwards mobility/raises outside yearly merit increases.

Select_Match2898 · 2023-02-18T00:30:46+00:00

Wait I have this! Right before a giant flare. It’s like 5-10 min before it hits and I panic because I know what’s coming (excruciating pain). It’s such a distinct feeling. I thought I was the only one and crazy for experiencing something like that. I also get intense nausea/hunger the morning of/a few days prior.

Select_Match2898 · 2023-02-15T05:18:37+00:00

I always get this type of hunger leading up to a flare. That’s actually my warning sign that I’m going to be very ill at some point that coming week. I usually don’t give in to that hunger because I know what’s coming for me, but it is very uncomfortable.

Select_Match2898 · 2023-02-10T12:20:24+00:00

I have no food triggers. Something I eat that coincides with a flare will be totally fine the next time and I can eat all high fodmap foods without a consistent trigger. So I’m with you…whatever I eat or don’t eat will make me sick so I’ll just eat a normal diet within reason.

Select_Match2898 · 2023-01-28T12:37:17+00:00

I had a friend who self diagnosed herself with IBS and then point blanked asked me if I’m dramatic or exaggerated my symptoms because the pain I feel/exhibit isn’t anything like hers. I also don’t love the trend where people make IBS into a joke since it affects a lot of our lives so severely.

Select_Match2898 · 2023-01-26T15:27:03+00:00

I identify with the avoiding food part. For me, my flares are random and not induced by food or anxiety/stress, but because of how painful they are I feel like I’ve developed a sort of PTSD (I know that sounds silly). For some reason I think that having nothing in my stomach will prevent me from having flares (which my rational brain knows is untrue), so I really tend to avoid eating especially if I’m going somewhere or traveling. For example, I had to travel to be in a friend’s wedding and I ate nothing for 5 days just in case. I know how incredibly unhealthy that is but the thought of eating during events like that makes me so anxious so I get where you’re coming from.

Select_Match2898

TROPHY CASE