What had happened was….
Mandella Effect
Do you remember….
Do you remember the social media celebrity “death prank?” I must admit the reactions of hoaxed individuals and groups were hilarious. Millions of people watched compilations of shocked and sorrowful responses. When the fun subsided, apologies were promptly sent from accounts of viral posts.
Most people knew that their favorite celebrity didn’t pass away, but they still had to do a quick Google search to make sure. The occurrence was a subset of the Mandela Effect.
What is the Mandela Effect?
The Mandela effect occurs when a lot of people mistakenly think that something happened when it didn't. Nelson Mandela was released in 1990 and passed away in 2013, yet this phenomenon is termed after the erroneous collective memory of many individuals who thought he passed away in the 1980s when he was still behind bars.
Memory can be delicate.
While it is not a recognized mental health condition, it can be related to certain mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, or trauma. Anxiety and depression can impact cognitive processing and memory, leading individuals to remember events differently or experience memory lapses. Similarly, trauma can have a significant impact on memory and cognitive processing, leading to memory gaps, dissociation, and other cognitive difficulties that can impact how individuals perceive and remember events. For example, a trauma victim may remember an event differently from how it actually occurred due to the intense emotions and stress associated with the traumatic experience. They may also experience memory lapses or flashbacks that can contribute to the Mandela Effect.
Manage symptoms.
It's important to note that the Mandela Effect is not a recognized diagnostic category or mental health condition. However, individuals who are experiencing confusion or distress related to their memories may benefit from seeking support from a mental health professional, such as a therapist or counselor, who can help them to explore the underlying causes of their memory difficulties and develop coping strategies to manage their symptoms.
Therapists can help.
Firstly, mental health professionals can provide emotional support to individuals who are experiencing confusion or distress due to the Mandela Effect. They can listen to concerns, validate experiences, and help process feelings about the situation.
Secondly, mental health professionals can work with clients to explore the underlying causes of confusion. They can help identify any underlying psychological or emotional issues that may be contributing to memory lapses or confusion.
Thirdly, mental health professionals can help clients develop coping strategies to manage confusion or distress. They can help develop self-care routines, such as mindfulness or relaxation techniques, that can help people feel more grounded and centered.
Finally, mental health professionals can help connect individuals with support groups or other resources in their community that may be able to offer additional support and guidance. This can include groups for individuals who are experiencing the Mandela Effect, as well as groups for individuals with other mental health conditions.