JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The world is watching as violence unfolds in Israel and Gaza in real time on social media.
Violent and graphic images are flooding social media, something researchers warn can take a toll on your mental health. People say it's difficult to balance staying informed and managing mental health.
"I've been seeing a whole lot of war being pushed out lately," said Terrell Kinder. "It's a whole lot of bombing."
One study examining the impacts of exposure to graphic images following the September 11 attacks finds people suffered physical and psychological effects as if they were exposed to the trauma directly.
Lanaya Thomas is a mother who says some videos stay in her mind.
"Anything with the human trafficking that I've been seeing going on around it because I have a little girl and she's six and she's so trusting in the entire world," Thomas said.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker Colleen Rodriguez, who is the CEO of LJD Jewish Family and Community Services, says to pay attention if you need a break from social media and discuss with your kids what they're seeing online. Teenagers can spend eight and a half hours on social media a day, according to the nonprofit Common Sense Media.
"As a parent, you really need to limit what your children can take in," Rodriguez said. "Their ability to process, depending on their age and their developmental level, what are they able to take in? And making sure that we're seeing what our kids are seeing."
Rodriguez says her organization has had some youth group leaders reach out to them to have therapists present during their conversations about the war.
Find more tips for managing your mental health while staying informed here.