Hedda (29) deleted all news apps to protect herself from trauma: – It’s not our burden to bear
Hedda Mathea, a 29-year-old, shares her journey of deleting news apps to cope with the retraumatization caused by media coverage on sexual abuse cases.
In recent weeks, Norwegian media has focused heavily on high-profile cases including the trial of Marius Borg Høiby and allegations surrounding Jeffrey Epstein and his network. This intense media scrutiny has led to discussions of sensitive topics such as 'assault', 'rape', and 'human trafficking', which have become all too common in everyday conversation. For survivors of such experiences, these discussions can trigger painful memories and associations, increasing their psychological burden.
Hedda Mathea has bravely chosen to share her own experiences regarding a turbulent upbringing characterized by trauma and therapy. With a significant social media following of 18,500 on Instagram, she has also authored three books that detail her life experiences. Despite her growing public presence, Hedda opts to remain private about her last name to protect her identity. Her decision to delete all news applications stems from the belief that ongoing media attention on these distressing themes could lead to retraumatization for herself and others who have experienced similar abuses.
Through her advocacy, Hedda emphasizes that it is crucial for society to understand the impact of pervasive media narratives on survivors. By sharing her story, she aims to foster a better awareness of how public discussions can disproportionately affect those who have already suffered. Hedda's message highlights the importance of compassion and understanding towards trauma victims, advocating for a collective recognition of their challenges while affirming that the burden of these dialogues should not solely fall on their shoulders.