Questions from Readers
Recently, Watanabe Nagisa stated that she would “not get involved in the world of television,” yet she is appearing on terrestrial TV and YouTube, which has led to online criticism claiming, “What she says and what she does are different.” Is this really a contradiction? On her Instagram, she shared data indicating that “the stress from defamation
and death threats is greater than from trauma.” Why is she still being told, “That’s a lie”? She has explained that “PTSD does not completely heal” and expressed her desire “not to narrow the scope of her life and work.” However, dismissing her return as “back to health = PTSD is a lie” seems quite thoughtless. Moreover, blaming someone who is trying to recover from trauma by saying, “This is different from what you said before!” is akin to commanding them, “Do not try to recover.” Human feelings and thoughts can change based on daily conditions and environments. The trend online to record everything and say, “You said this on that day!” feels not just ruthless, but abnormal. What is most frightening is that such “consistency police” use words as a weapon to pressure those who are currently suffering. In a society that can say to someone suffering from PTSD, “But you appeared on terrestrial TV, right?” which side is truly broken? Why do we demand “consistency” and “logic” in the recovery process? Ultimately, isn’t that the same as saying, “Mental illness is hard to understand, so we don’t believe you”?
Thoughts on the Journey of Recovery and Contradictions
Seeing the discussions surrounding Watanabe Nagisa’s recent statements and actions has made me reflect. It’s truly a complicated issue when she is criticized for appearing on terrestrial TV and YouTube despite her saying she would “not get involved in the world of television.” We humans can change our thoughts due to our environment and mood, and the trend of not allowing such changes feels somewhat disappointing. I also had a minor trauma in the past, which was incredibly tough. During that time, I found some relief by laughing with friends and watching my favorite comedies, gradually easing my feelings. Looking back, I was afraid that my ability to “smile meant I was getting better” would be interpreted as “since I’m better, the trauma was a lie.” I remember the internal conflict I felt.
Online Reactions and Mental Illness
I do find the existence of “consistency police” online to be abnormal. Of course, some may feel there are contradictions in her words and actions, but demanding consistency in the recovery process seems to demonstrate a lack of understanding of mental illness. Humans are complex, and especially regarding mental issues, there are aspects that are difficult to grasp. Recently, I have been more expressive of my emotions through social media, and at times, I find it confusing how my feelings can rapidly change. It’s common for me to say, “I felt this way today, but tomorrow I’m thinking something entirely different.” But I believe that’s natural and part of growth.
The Importance of Empathy Amid Societal Stress
Blaming someone like Watanabe who is trying to recover from trauma by saying “This is different from what you said before!” only serves to push her further into distress. What we should prioritize is understanding and empathizing with others’ feelings. The world of social media and the internet can sometimes be harsh, becoming a place that hurts others. That’s why it’s crucial for each of us to engage with more compassion. For instance, when I tell a friend, “I’m not feeling well today,” I would appreciate it if they could respond not just with “Hang in there,” but by asking, “That sounds tough. Is there anything I can help with?” Such support is incredibly reassuring. Finally, I would love for everyone to share their own experiences and thoughts in the comments. Even the smallest things can contribute to someone else’s support. Please share your story!
