6 Alarming Effects of True Crime on Mental Health
It’s time we talk about the negative effects of true crime on our mental health.
From a young age, I’ve been really into true crime.
I can vividly recall watching the original version of Unsolved Mysteries with a mix of fear and fascination.
Each case left a lasting impression on me, and I couldn’t help but get wrapped up in the who, what, why, and how of each mystery.
As I got older, my interest in true crime only grew stronger.
With the surge in popularity of the genre since the 2010s,
I found myself consuming endless hours of murder and mystery through TV shows, documentaries, and podcasts.
However, I soon realized that my interest was affecting me in a negative way.
I became paranoid about my surroundings and the people I encountered, living in a constant state of fear and anxiety that wasn’t healthy.
It was then that I realized I needed to regain control of my fascination.
Alongside this personal struggle, I also became interested in understanding society’s fascination with true crime.
Why are we, especially women, so drawn to a genre that often showcases violence and gore?
And what impact does it have on our mental health?
This article aims to dive into these questions, exploring the reasons behind our obsession with true crime, the potential negative effects on our mental health, and ways to overcome this addiction.
Let’s dive in and explore the effects of true crime on our minds.
Why are We Obsessed with True Crime?
According to evolutionary psychologists, our interest in true crime is totally natural because, throughout human history, crimes like murder, rape, and theft have been a huge part of our society.
Our ancestors had to be aware of these dangers to survive, so it’s practically in our genes to pay attention.
We’re always itching to know the details of the crimes like who committed them, when and where they happened, so that we can understand how criminals think and make sure we and our loved ones are safe.
But it’s not just about being cautious – our curiosity plays a big part in our obsession with true crime.
We’re always curious about the darker side of human nature and what drives people to do such awful things.
Following true crime stories lets us explore these questions in a way that’s safe and controlled.
Plus, it can bring us together as a community.
Many of us true crime fans love chatting about cases with friends and family or joining online communities devoted to true crime.
It’s a chance to bond over common interests and have some really meaningful conversations.
While both men and women can be obsessed with true crime, studies have found that women are more likely to get true crime addiction.
Women are especially into stories that give insight into why killers do what they do, how victims managed to get away, and cases where women were the victims.
Women tend to be more drawn to true crime stories that delve into the motivations and psychology of criminals.
We tend to believe that true crime gives us an educational insight that makes us more aware of potential dangers and helps us steer clear of situations where we could become victims.
Negative Effects of True Crime on Mental Health
Let’s admit it, a lot of us are obsessed with true crime – it’s fascinating and we can learn a ton from it.
But, there’s a darker side to our true crime addiction that we need to talk about.
It’s important to realize that being obsessed with true crime can have some pretty negative effects on our mental health.
By understanding these effects, we can recognize the signs and take steps to feel better.
Let’s dive into 6 of the most common negative effects of true crime on our mental health:
1. Feeling Scared & Anxious
When we binge on true crime content, it’s easy to start feeling really anxious and scared.
News reports and documentaries often focus on the most gruesome and shocking details of the crimes, which can be really distressing for some of us.
This can make us start fearing that we might become a victim ourselves or just have a general sense of danger that makes it hard to relax, sleep, or enjoy our daily lives.
2. Getting Paranoid
As we dive deep into true crime, we might start feeling more on edge and seeing danger everywhere, even in pretty safe situations.
This hypervigilance can really mess with our mental health, causing anxiety, stress, and even physical symptoms like headaches and muscle tension.
It can also mess with our relationships and make it tough to enjoy everyday activities.
3. Feeling Depressed
Being exposed to true crime stories often can make us feel sad, hopeless, and in despair.
This can be especially tough for people who are already dealing with depression or have been through trauma.
The graphic nature of true crime stories, along with their focus on the suffering of victims and their families, can make these emotions even worse, making it hard to get through the day.
4. Getting Desensitized
When we keep reading or watching true crime stories, it’s possible to become desensitized to the violence and trauma in these crimes.
This can lead to a lack of emotion or empathy towards the victims, their families, and survivors.
Some of us might even start to idolize or romanticize the killers, treating them like celebrities.
It turns true crime into entertainment, which undermines the seriousness of the crimes and the suffering of those involved.
5. Feeling Hopeless
Getting addicted to true crime can lead to feelings of hopelessness and helplessness.
The constant exposure to violent stories can make us feel like the world is a dangerous and despairing place, leaving us feeling powerless to make things better.
6. Feeling Guilty
Finally, true crime obsession can bring on feelings of guilt.
We might start feeling bad for being so interested in the suffering of others, leading to negative thoughts and worries.
This guilt can really mess with our mental health, making us even more anxious or depressed.
Overcoming True Crime Obsession
If you’re finding it hard to break free from a true crime obsession, there are ways to get back on track.
• Set Some Boundaries
Start by putting a cap on how much true crime content you consume.
For example, limit yourself to just a few podcasts or TV shows each week.
• Explore New Hobbies
Get into other hobbies that can take your mind off true crime, like reading, going for walks, or getting creative with a craft.
• Turn Your Energy Into Something Good
Think about ways you can use your energy for something positive, like volunteering at a local organization that helps crime victims or donating to a charity that supports those affected by crime.
It can give you a sense of purpose and make you feel like you’re making a real difference.
• Get Support
If you’re struggling to shake off the grip of true crime and it’s starting to take a toll on your life, it might be time to reach out for help.
A therapist or a support group can give you the tools and support you need to break free from the addiction and deal with any underlying mental health issues.
Conclusion
True crime has really become a big part of our pop culture, and a lot of us find it super interesting and even therapeutic.
But, it’s really important to realize that too much of it can mess with our heads.
The effects of true crime can bring on anxiety, fear, depression, and various other negative impacts that can harm our wellbeing.
If you’re starting to feel like true crime is taking a toll on your mental health, it might be time to switch things up and find new ways to spend your time.
Just remember, looking after your mental health should always come first.
Now I Want to Hear from You
Have you ever felt anxious or uneasy after consuming a lot of true crime content?
How do you cope with these feelings?
What are some alternative hobbies or activities you’ve found helpful in taking a break from true crime obsession and maintaining a positive mental outlook?
Let me know in the comments below!