What Drove Youth Pastor to Stab His Wife And 5 Children?

Sep 03, 2023, 01:00 PM

As the digital age expands its vast reach, an intriguing question emerges: Are we becoming more disconnected from our loved ones due to the constant distractions of technology, particularly social media? This pressing issue was recently explored on the podcast "Hidden Killers" by host Tony Brueski in a riveting conversation with Robin Dreeke, a retired FBI Special Agent and Chief of the Counterintelligence Behavioral Analysis Program.
 
The conversation delved deep into understanding the psychological and behavioral consequences of evictions, financial struggles, and the shame associated with them. Dreeke shed light on a concerning observation, noting, "It's the shame... And then a combination of a lack of a problem-solving skill, the overwhelming emotion in the moment and the simmering mental stress and psychosis that they have." While he acknowledged that some mental health issues are difficult to diagnose, he emphasized that many of these problems, simmering beneath the surface, are intensified by various external factors, including the recent pandemic.
 
 Brueski and Dreeke pointed to a notable surge in mental health issues that came to the forefront during the pandemic. As Brueski rightly stated, the pandemic "caused a lot of really severe mental illness in people kind of to bubble to the top." With numerous challenges and stresses mounting, it begs the question: How can we prevent further mental health crises?
 
 Dreeke believes it boils down to connection and community. "No one is put on this earth to figure it all out by yourself. If we were, we'd be on a mountain by ourselves," he remarked. Instead of letting shame and isolation take over, Dreeke advises those struggling to reach out, sharing their pain and challenges. Moreover, he emphasizes the importance of keen observation of loved ones, suggesting that we need to "stop multitasking" and focus our undivided attention on those we care about. This, he believes, can help identify subtle behavioral changes indicative of underlying mental struggles.
 
 However, a significant barrier to true connection lies in the omnipresence of technology and social media. As Brueski pointed out, our devices distract us even during intimate conversations with family and friends, leading to a disconnect that could potentially prevent us from noticing someone's mental decline. Dreeke agreed, adding another layer of complexity by highlighting the "cult of comparison" we engage in on social media platforms. The constant exposure to other people's highlight reels can amplify feelings of inadequacy, furthering one's sense of isolation and despair.
 
 As the conversation dove deeper into the realm of social media, Dreeke touched on a poignant truth: the images we see on platforms like Facebook often don't reflect reality. He urged listeners to remember that everyone faces challenges and pains. "If you're feeling it, everyone's feeling it," Dreeke asserted, emphasizing that the picture-perfect lives displayed online are not complete representations of reality.
 
 In essence, while social media can offer entertainment and connection, it also presents a double-edged sword, potentially fueling feelings of comparison, inadequacy, and disconnection. Both Brueski and Dreeke call for a heightened awareness of these pitfalls and advocate for genuine, present interactions with our loved ones.
 
 The insightful discussion on "Hidden Killers" invites reflection on our own habits and behaviors. In an era dominated by screens, we are prompted to ask ourselves: Are we sacrificing true human connection at the altar of technology? And if so, at what cost?
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