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"It's exhausting to have to explain everything I do, and to have to receive all this hate always. And it's my fault for sharing anything, but I didn't think all this was going to get messed up." The vallecana presenter Cristina Pedroche has responded with a long explanation that begins with this extract to the umpteenth controversy that stars. In his words, he revealed that he has needed a perinatal psychologist and that his intention is to motivate to lead a healthy life. "This is just my personal account and my own experience," he wrote.

In the last hours, his name has been typed more than 17 million times in Google, has been the most commented topic of the day in X, the new name of the social network Twitter, has generated thousands of headlines in the media and his photograph in question has triggered more than 13,500 comments (and rising). Before it was kinesiotape, hypnobirthing, putting Pedroche as your daughter's first surname or breastfeeding.

Now, the rain of criticism focuses on her last pose in a bikini three weeks after giving birth, where they have even entered to comment public profiles such as the Spanish writer Lucía Etxebarria, to which Pedroche herself responded that she does not have any help at home or personal trainer. "All bodies are real and valid and all women equal are good mothers. Don't try to make me feel like a bad mother please."

EMOTIONAL EXHAUSTION

Roy Galán, a writer who usually reflects on characters of public projection, called the treatment that the communicator receives at every step she takes as "lynching and public derision", regardless of the consequences for mental health. "If a hundred thousand children join in telling another in the schoolyard that he is wrong to add it, we call it 'bullying', but if it is on the internet we call it 'divine justice'," he criticized, calling the culture of hate of choice.

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Does a public figure have to put up with everything for his fame? Is it lawful to express our opinions even though they may be unpleasant and harm another person? Is there a problem behind those who use social media to attack? Why is such a toxic environment generated on the internet? Has mental health ceased to matter after a pandemic that has highlighted its importance?

"The disparaging and insulting tone on social media has not only become normalized, in my opinion, it has become fashionable. This gives the field to legitimize a language that is aggressive and abusive, "says Laura Palomares, Psychologist of Avance Psicólogos. The expert points out that what happened to Pedroche "causes emotional and psychological wear and tear on any human being."

Public exposure is a double-edged sword, since it connects influencers and celebrities with their audiences directly but also subjects them to criticism and judgments that are sometimes disproportionate, malicious or complicated to handle. Whether she is wrong to publish her image or not, does the commentator think how the presenter can digest being accused of laughing at other mothers and being called an "ad with legs" and "superficial"?

CAUSES OF HATE

Madrid's Cristina Pedroche, in a public appearance just before giving birth. Gtres

The reason why you enter to "morally abuse online has to do with the low self-esteem of those who try to enter into conversation with the famous," says Palomares: "As a wake-up call to that admired, unattainable person, who before my insult, focuses his attention on me. That bond, even if it is negative, generates a sense of power and importance, in reality empty, to try to compensate for their insecurities."

For her part, Isabel Serrano Rosa, psychologist of enpositivoSÍ, considers that, in the same way that Pedroche arouses admiration, in that dark and barely recognized side of the human being there is also a lot of envy when one wishes to have what the other has. "It is a social emotion, we are not born with it but from childhood it emerges. Deep down, you see yourself reflected in the person and connect with him, awakening bad feelings."

As Pedroche is constantly exposed by his projection, continues the psychologist, that envy can remain a simple thought, the so-called healthy envy, or lead to a desire for destruction of the person. "In that case, it becomes a psychological and social attack."

According to the psychologist, in the case of the haters of the presenter, an ideological factor is also combined. "The character, who has defined himself as progressive, represents the antithesis of what the viewer considers right or good because of their own beliefs. It is as if she undermines how the world, life or people should be. And it is a dangerous and somewhat narcissistic attitude because it divides between those who are as I think, the valid and good way, and those who are not." There are no half measures there: "You are good or bad, you confront yourself."

Finally, Serrano Rosa speaks of a "reproach to Pedroche" for a cultural issue. "In Spain, exhibitionism in social networks is frowned upon. Women especially, have been instilled with a great sense of modesty. We are lagging behind other countries in Europe, such as France, where it is more natural to show what you have, your body or happiness."

THE PHYSICAL COMPARISON

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Although he is not a public figure that he follows, it is also interesting the point of view of a personal trainer specialized in pregnancy and postpartum who constantly deals with women. Alejandro Timoneda, Chief Operations Officer of Courage, points out that Pedroche has not set an example of anything or talked about other women in his Instagram post: "This woman has only put that she is well after her birth and has taken care of herself. What's wrong with that? Whoever sees it that way is because it projects a personal dissatisfaction with himself and his life on others."

Obviously, he emphasizes, no body is the same as another and even if a woman replicates Pedroche's food and training exactly, she may never get her results: "By pathologies, by genetics ... But Cristina is not telling anyone to be like her. These are conclusions that people draw because they see it in a comparative and destructive way. It's the problem."

In addition, he continues, agreeing that Pedroche has more time and money than the average that does not necessarily make him a more disciplined person and aware of the importance of health: "Not training I think is always an excuse. Even in the worst possible situation of an autonomous woman alone, without leave, with all the factors contrary to what Pedroche's life is, you could take 10 minutes when your son falls asleep to try to move if you want. " That will not lead them to be like her, he clarifies, but life is not about black and white. "Maybe you can't go to the gym for two hours every day, but the little you can do is better than doing nothing. The polarization is being eaten by her unfairly without having promoted anything bad," says the instructor.

EFFECTS OF PUBLIC CRITICISM

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Psychologist Ana Morales, who specializes in emotional nutrition and body acceptance, says society's expectations of how women should look and behave, especially after childbirth, can influence a person's self-image. "The pressure to recover quicklycan be overwhelming and damaging. In Cristina's case, she chose to share her experience and her approach to staying healthy, but was met with judgment and anger."

Some may be able to ignore or overcome these comments, but others may find them deeply hurtful. "The emotions involved can be complex and varied, including frustration, shame, anger and sadness. Increased sensitivity in the postpartum period, along with fatigue and stress, can make these comments especially painful. Cristina has clearly expressed how exhausting and damaging this has been for her."

IGNORE OR RESPOND?

Cristina Pedroche arouses great hatred on social networks. Gtres

There is no single or valid answer for Morales. Responding to criticism can be a form of advocacy and a way to set boundaries. "However, it can also lead to greater exposure and public scrutiny." Moving on from comments, on the other hand, can be a useful strategy for preserving mental health, but it may feel unsatisfying for some. "Finding a balance between responding and ignoring can be essential and Pedroche has shown how both approaches are complex to manage."

Other strategies Morales lists include regular breaks from social media, using humor to respond, and seeking legal support if needed. "Setting clear boundaries on what is shared and how you interact online is one way to protect yourself. Pedroche's choice to focus on her well-being and her daughter is a positive example of setting healthy boundaries."

The dialogue that the presenter has opened, for this psychologist, can contribute positively to a broader and more compassionate conversation about these issues. "For those in the public eye, having a support network and, if necessary, career guidance can be crucial. Mental health is as vital as physical health and finding healthy strategies to manage public exposure may require careful thought and attention."

A MORE RESPECTFUL DIALOGUE

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Visibility can lead to criticism but it also has the power to influence positive change, Morales points out: "His response to those who have directed hatred and criticism at him is an embrace and an expression of understanding. This reflects a choice to respond with empathy and compassion rather than anger or resentment."

The analysis of Cristina Pedroche's case reveals a complex situation faced by many celebrities and influencers. Authenticity is powerful, if risky, especially when intimate aspects of their lives are shared, says the psychologist. "Ultimately, Pedroche's polemic invites us all to reflect as a society on our participation in online culture and to strive to be more compassionate and respectful in our interactions."

TIPS BEFORE SHARING ON SOCIAL MEDIA

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"Exposing our private life on social networks in a country where criticism is a national sport entails assuming a high risk that can threaten our self-esteem," warns psychologist Alba Cardalda. Therefore, before publishing any content on social networks, remember that anyone can comment on it and in the way they please. "One of the most recommended exercises to protect ourselves emotionally from possible virtual attacks is to reflect on what kind of content we want to show and what we want to keep away from the vox populi. The less exposed we are, the safer we are."

On the other hand, we have the option of limiting the comments, adds the psychologist, so that no one can write in our publications, only those that we accept and know. Having good self-esteem is key to not depending excessively on the approval of others, recalls Cardalda, and thus prevent criticism and haters from affecting our mental health. "In addition to working on our self-love, it is convenient to assume that nothing we do, say or show will please everyone: there will always be those who like it and those who do not like it, who praise it and who criticize it, who makes it proud and who disappoints it."

The really important thing, says the psychologist, is not to disappoint a single person: ourselves. "Being able to accept this naturally is really liberating and makes us more resistant to negative feedback." And remember that displays of hatred and anger can be a reflection of the person's inner world and have little or nothing to do with the person against whom that hatred is being expressed. "Understanding these mechanisms should not lead us to justify any type of aggressive behavior but it can help us not to take these criticisms personally but as a reflection of the emotional state of the person."

From Cardalda's point of view, we need more emotional education to learn to express ourselves assertively and become aware that all the messages we send through social networks reach a person of flesh, blood and emotions who is on the other side of the screen: "Our words can have a direct impact on their mental health."

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