What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
If violent-crime footage, a documentary, or a news update has left you distressed, you can stop watching, reduce further exposure, and speak with someone you trust. You do not need a diagnosis or proof that your reaction is “severe” to ask for help. In the United States, call or text 988 or use its chat for immediate emotional or crisis support; call 911 or go to an emergency room for immediate danger or a medical emergency. People elsewhere should use their country’s health service or emergency system.
This guide explains which option fits your situation, what to do in the next few minutes, and how to find continuing care if the distress does not settle.
Start with the next ten minutes
Feeling anxious, unsettled, angry, or unable to stop thinking about a violent-crime program is a valid reason to seek support. Watching media alone does not establish post-traumatic stress disorder, an anxiety disorder, or any other diagnosis. Treat the reaction as information about what you need right now rather than as a label you must prove.
Stop, pause, or change the feed
Pause the documentary, close the video, or put down the phone. If replaying clips, reading updates, or scrolling discussion threads is intensifying the reaction, set a clear limit—such as no more coverage for the rest of the evening—and mute notifications. SAMHSA recommends taking a break from news or social media when it causes stress and reducing media exposure after traumatic events. See its guidance at How to Cope With Mental Health, Drug, and Alcohol Issues.
#1 Best Overall
- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
Move toward a familiar, safe activity
Choose something ordinary that engages your senses: make a meal, take a walk in a familiar place, shower, stretch, listen to non-disturbing music, or sit with a pet. Slow, comfortable breathing can help your body settle; do not force deep breaths if that makes you light-headed. These are optional coping steps, not a treatment prescription.
Reconnect with a person and your routine
Tell a trusted friend, relative, colleague, or partner what you watched and how you feel. You can ask them simply to stay on the phone or sit with you. SAMHSA also recommends protecting sleep, eating regularly, spending time outdoors, exercising when safe, and maintaining a basic routine. One difficult night does not predict how you will feel later. As SAMHSA puts it, “Healing isn’t a straight line—there will be ups and downs along the way.”
Choose help by urgency and purpose
The right service depends on whether you are in immediate danger, need someone to talk to now, or want help arranging ongoing care. The numbers below are United States services unless stated otherwise.
Rank #2
- Ultra-speedy streaming: Roku Ultra is 30% faster than any other Roku player, delivering a lightning-fast interface and apps that launch in a snap.
- Cinematic streaming: This TV streaming device brings the movie theater to your living room with spectacular 4K, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision picture alongside immersive Dolby Atmos audio.
- The ultimate Roku remote: The rechargeable Roku Voice Remote Pro offers backlit buttons, hands-free voice controls, and a lost remote finder.
- No more fumbling in the dark: See what you’re pressing with backlit buttons.
- Say goodbye to batteries: Keep your remote powered for months on a single charge.
| Situation | Best first route | What it provides | Geographic note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Immediate danger or medical emergency | Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room | Urgent safety and medical response | United States; use your local emergency system elsewhere |
| Severe distress, anxiety, trauma-related feelings, loneliness, stress, or simply needing to talk | Call or text 988, or use 988 chat | 24/7 crisis and emotional support; help deciding next steps | United States and its territories |
| Distress connected to a disaster or community crime | SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 | Disaster-related emotional support and information | United States |
| Looking for local or continuing behavioral-health care | FindSupport.gov or FindTreatment.gov | Navigation and treatment-location information | United States |
When to call 911 or go to an emergency room
Use emergency care if you face immediate danger, someone is threatening you, you have a serious medical problem, or you cannot keep yourself safe. SAMHSA’s crisis guidance directs people in the United States to call 911 or go to an emergency room in those circumstances: Crisis Help: Suicide, Mental Health, Drug, and Alcohol Issues.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteDistress after viewing a program is not automatically an emergency. If you are physically safe but overwhelmed, frightened, or unsure what to do, 988 is designed for that conversation. If the content has reminded you of a real assault, abuse, war, or other event you experienced, tell the responder; that context can help them guide you.
What 988 can do in the United States
988 is the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, but SAMHSA says people also contact it about anxiety, trauma, stress, loneliness, emotional pain, or simply needing someone to talk to. You can call or text 988 or use the service’s chat. SAMHSA describes it as available around the clock in English and Spanish; its FAQ says call interpretation is available in more than 240 languages. Access requires telephone, cellular, or internet service. Check the current details in the 988 Frequently Asked Questions before relying on a particular access method.
Rank #3
- 4K streaming made simple:With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- 4K picture quality: With Roku Streaming Stick Plus, watch your favorites with brilliant 4K picture and vivid HDR color.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
What to say
You do not need a prepared explanation. “I watched violent-crime footage and I cannot calm down,” “I keep seeing images,” or “I need someone to talk to” is enough to begin. Mention whether you are alone, whether you feel physically safe, and what would help during the next hour. A counselor can help you think through immediate coping, safety, and referrals.
Privacy is not the same as complete anonymity
SAMHSA’s FAQ says you are not required to provide personal information to receive 988 support. It also says counselors can see a caller’s phone number or a chat user’s IP address. Do not promise yourself or another person that the service is fully anonymous; read the current privacy information if that distinction matters to you.
When the Disaster Distress Helpline fits
SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline, 1-800-985-5990, is intended for emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters, including crime. It can be relevant after community violence or a crime that has directly affected you, your family, or your neighborhood. It is not the only option, and it is not necessarily the best route for someone who is upset solely by a television episode. For general distress or an immediate need to talk, 988 may be more appropriate; for danger, use 911.
Rank #4
- Stunning 4K and Dolby Vision streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Breathtaking picture quality: Stunningly sharp 4K picture brings out rich detail in your entertainment with four times the resolution of HD. Watch as colors pop off your screen and enjoy lifelike clarity with Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
- Seamless streaming for any room: With Roku Streaming Stick 4K, watch your favorite entertainment on any TV in the house, even in rooms farther from your router thanks to the long-range Wi-Fi receiver.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, so you can switch from streaming to gaming with ease. Plus, it’s designed to stay hidden behind your TV, keeping wires neatly out of sight
Finding continuing or local care
If disturbing thoughts, sleep problems, fear, or avoidance continue, interfere with work or relationships, or keep worsening, consider speaking with a licensed mental-health professional. You do not have to wait for a formal diagnosis. Ask your primary-care clinician, insurer, school or workplace counselor, or a community clinic about an appointment and explain that media exposure has triggered distress. If you have a history of trauma or a current safety concern, mention it when scheduling.
Directories for United States readers
- FindSupport.gov helps people navigate behavioral-health support.
- FindTreatment.gov helps locate treatment services.
- SAMHSA’s 2024 guide, Tips for Survivors: Coping With Grief After Community Violence, offers additional guidance for people affected by violence.
These directories do not replace emergency response. If you cannot stay safe or have a medical emergency, use 911 or an emergency department first.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Understanding reactions without self-diagnosing
NHS England’s guidance for people after a traumatic event lists possible reactions such as intrusive thoughts or images, nightmares, anger, anxiety, and heightened alertness. These can be normal responses while someone is trying to make sense of a traumatic event. The guidance applies to England and to people who have experienced or been close to a traumatic event; it is not a diagnostic checklist for someone who watched a program.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Best Value
- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
- See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
- Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
- Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
A viewer may notice similar sensations after graphic or emotionally intense media, particularly if the subject connects with a personal experience. That does not prove that the viewer has been traumatized or has post-traumatic stress disorder. NHS England notes that reactions often reduce over time but that distress can last longer for some people. Avoid promises that you will feel better by a specific date. Read the England guidance at Help and support after a traumatic event.
Supporting someone who is upset
If a friend or relative is struggling after watching violent-crime content, listen without judgment and let them set the pace. You can say, “That sounds frightening,” or “I’m here with you,” instead of debating whether the program was objectively disturbing. Offer practical company—a meal, a walk, or help turning off updates—without forcing them to discuss details or seek treatment.
Avoid telling them they are overreacting, demanding that they explain every feeling, or repeatedly showing the clip to prove a point. Ask whether they feel physically safe and whether they want help contacting someone. SAMHSA says supporters can call or text 988 for crisis guidance about someone else. Its advice on helping another person is available at Mental Health, Drug, or Alcohol Issues: How to Help Someone.
If you are outside the United States
The services and numbers above are primarily United States resources. 988 is not a universal emergency number. Use your country’s health service, crisis line, or emergency number; if you are in immediate danger, follow your local emergency procedure. In England, NHS guidance on reactions after traumatic events is available through the link above. A local clinician, public-health service, or hospital can explain which crisis and counseling options operate in your area.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteMake a simple plan for the next day
- Decide whether to avoid further violent-crime coverage for a defined period and turn off related notifications.
- Tell one trusted person what happened and agree on when you will check in.
- Eat, hydrate, and aim for your usual sleep and wake times; choose gentle activity if it feels safe.
- Write down 988, 911, or your local emergency number so you do not have to search while distressed.
- If symptoms persist, impair daily life, or concern you, contact a clinician or use an appropriate treatment directory.
Seeking support is reasonable at any point in this process. You do not need to wait until distress becomes a crisis, and you do not need to call what you are experiencing by a particular name.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Say something about this film