I saw a really horrible video of a senseless beating which triggered memories of other horrible videos I've seen in the past which set off a terrible chain-reaction of emotions. One problem is that I have trouble dealing with this awareness that there are some people who'll go out of their way to hurt another human being or animal. I'm struggling to deal with this. For instance, eating or socialising has me preoccupied with thoughts about cruelty. I don't quite know how to handle this without thinking "OH, well, that's them and not me so I shouldn't think about it" if you know what I mean.

The main problematic thought process I'm enduring is this: when I'm with my loved ones or I'm relaxing with my dog, I get intrusive thoughts that are pretty much mental visuals of people inflicting harm upon them. I look at my dog and I think of animal abusers hurting him and then I get really upset that I have to lie down. Sort of similar to a paternal fear: what if I'm not there to protect my baby, who will look after them when I'm gone, what are their classmates like, what's the teacher like etc.

I hope I'm making sense. This is a real disturbance distracting my day-to-day business and it's really emotionally devastating that I go from a high to a bottomless low.

If anyone can relate, I'd appreciate knowing how you handle this yourself or any advice/suggestions from anyone else would leave me immensely grateful.