So I was scrolling through TikTok right? I come across this horrifying video of a baby being abused by his baby sitter!! It was horrible and not only that it also made me relive some memories on how my mom used to treat me when I was little! Which really makes me wonder…was what she has done abuse? She has slapped me across the face multiple times, she has banged my head into a wall repeatedly bfor, she has said some things to me that wasn’t very nice, I even witnessed her doing those same things to my sister, I was only 10 years old at the time, I was thinking it was only discipline…but now I really wonder…is this why I’m struggling so bad with my mental health rn? I cried when I saw that tik tok…I really did…I might stay off it for a bit…
Does TicToc have a system to report such posts? Hundreds of people have been apprehended through Facebook postings. I’d expect there to be a similar function with all the social media apps.
I’m sorry you were abused, and it’s obvious you have empathy for others who have been abused. We can’t change our past, but through the experience, we can be more aware and alert for signs that others are being abused, or are victims of past abuse. What is derived from our pain can be instrumental in helping others to heal.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Gosh, @Andy, I am so sorry you’ve witnessed that, but also that it was such an intense trigger for you. I’m not a TikTok user so I don’t really know how it works and if there’s any filters possible to avoid from unexpectedly seeing that kind of thing. However, it is a good idea to stay away from a bit, as you’ve stated. Make sure to do things that are healthy for you. TikTok may be cool or a trend or whatever, but there’s absolutely no shame in doing what is safe for you.
As for the video itself, if you still have the link, I’d encourage you to report it. You can use the following form to do so:
https://www.tiktok.com/legal/report/reports?lang=en
Though apparently you can also do it directly through the app:
https://support.tiktok.com/en/safety-hc/report-a-problem/report-a-video
Knowing how that kind of stuff work though (mostly with bots), I’d recommend you to use the form, as you have the possibility to give more explanations and details, which would eventually be sent to a moderator.
However, if you feel okay with it, the best option of all is to let your local child protective services know about the video. TikTok may take reports and requests, but they are still a private company with different interests. If someone can investigate and really help this child, it’s protective services who can work with the police and be in touch with TikTok moderation.
As for what happened with your babysitter… I am so, so sorry Andy. What she did to you was absolutely wrong. You’ve been hurt physically, emotionally and have witnessed horrible things. It’s understandable that as a child you thought that was okay and maybe a matter of “discipline” because it’s just part of the things you’ve ever known at that age.
It would be hard for us to say that this is why you struggle with your mental health, as this is something to sort out with a therapist first and foremost. However, it is well known that traumas happening at an early age tend to affect us for a very long time, even as adults. Recognizing that something bad and unfair happened is a first step towards healing. I’ve been there. I’m still in that process. It is incredibly painful to look back and wonder if all your struggles could have been avoided if such things never happened.
Please know that how you feel is absolutely valid right now. Let the tears exist if you feel the need to cry. It is okay. You will be okay, friend. 
From: eloquentpetrichor (Discord)
Thank you for sharing with us. I’m so sorry for the abuse you suffered at the hands of your mother and that this TikTok brought those feelings and memories to the surface. I cannot imagine the pain you must be feeling realising the “discipline” you experienced in your childhood was actually abuse. I hope all the best for you, friend <3
From: Lisalovesfeathers (Discord)
Hey Andy, Thank you for posting, My goodness that must have been absolutely awful to come across something so horrendous and then for it to bring back those memories? I can’t even imagine how that must have felt. What was done to you and your sister was abuse, was wrong and should not have been done and I am sorry that it happened. There are many reasons people struggle with mental health problems and yes of course this could well be one of the reasons. Trauma ptsd are all causes of mental health problems, its something that really should be discussed with a therapist or Doctor who can help you to manage these memories so they are not having such a massive effect on your life today. I think it’s a very good idea to come off of there for a while and get into a better place. I truly wish you well and you know we are always here for you. Much Love Lisa
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