Take a deep breath. I know that this probably isn’t what you want to hear right now, but not very many other people understand that there’s a real person behind that Twitter handle, tumblr page or YouTube account. All they see is a profile picture and a few short lines describing who you are. In their mind, that’s all you are, but you are so much more. You’re a human being and they have no right to make you feel this way. Let yourself remember that as they run across your mind. They think that they’re safe behind their wall of VPNs and fake emails. They’re ignorant, but we’ve all been guilty of the same.
Unplug from the internet for a while. Lounging around in all of that negativity won’t do you again good. It will gnaw away at you until there’s nothing else, and then continue, oblivious to your downfall. Don’t let the monster get ahold of you. The internet can be so tempting. Look someone’s mentioned you in their – Ignore it.
Your notifications will still be there when you get back, you need to make sure that you are too.
Alert those around you about what happened. You might be a little down for a while, but that’s alright. We are all human after all and you deserve some down time. Help the people around you understand that. Find someone to talk to about your frustrations. Let yourself vent, curse and rage in their presence. Search out positivity, but allow yourself to be upset. We’re human, it’s only natural.
Go and do something that makes you happy. Let yourself forget for a while, let go of your responsibilities. Be completely at peace with yourself. Absorb yourself in the simple pleasures of life, and reflect on what makes you, you. Are you kind hearted? Are you logical? Whatever it is, focus on that and let yourself feel it in entirety. Become a whole again.
Once you’ve gotten a level head, and only then – work on blocking and reporting any negativity that is flat out rude. Anything that has unnecessary swear words that serve only to hurt. Anything that calls you names, or diminishes your worth as a human being. You’ll be tempted to reply to these comments, they may even try and taunt you into it, but don’t. You’re better than that, you’re better than them.
Respond to those with constructive criticism elements in a calm fashion.
I know it might not seem like it, but what if those people had valid thoughts? If they’re rude, condescending and hateful – then you get a pass to dismiss their comments. However, if they are trying to keep a level head, as I know you are capable of, then it might be beneficial to listen to them. To understand why they think this way, and to maybe give a little bit of input of your own.
Alert those on your platform about what happened. Show them how responsibly you’re acting rather than scaring them off with anger. Invite them to share their points of view on the matter, feel uplifted by those who agree with you and informed by the people who do not. I know this is hard, but I believe in you. You can do it.
Be the bigger person, and don’t let them win. Continue with your life.
