Winner of Amazon Prime Video’s Traitors 2, Rida Tharana, opens up about the mental toll of the 13‑day deception game and her ongoing therapy. Her story highlights the psychological impact of reality‑TV competitions.
- Traitors 2’s 13 days caused significant mental stress.
- Rida Tharana began therapy and continues to attend sessions.
- Other contestants are also reporting heightened mental health concerns.
Amazon Prime Video’s new series Traitors 2 thrust contestants into a 13‑day world of deception, betrayal, and deep psychological challenges. The season’s winners, Rida Tharana and Krystle D’Souza, have since spoken candidly about the show’s mental impact.
Rida described how the show’s lack of natural light—what she called a “missing sunlight” experience—mirrored her childhood memories of being locked in a room. This constant deprivation blurred the line between reality and game, triggering PTSD symptoms.
Following the show, Rida has been attending bi‑weekly therapy sessions with a licensed psychologist. She says the ongoing support helps her process the criticism and emotional turmoil that continued even after the episodes aired.
In contrast, Krystle stated she managed to stay emotionally detached, focusing on winning without guilt. Both contestants acknowledged that the game pushed them to confront personal limits.
Meanwhile, Parul Gulati faced accusations of bribing a crew member, sparking controversy and tension among the cast. Rida and Krystle offered differing perspectives on the incident, adding to the season’s drama.
These experiences underscore that reality‑TV shows are not merely entertainment; they can also pose serious mental health risks. Rida’s journey serves as a cautionary tale for participants and producers alike.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that reality‑TV shows increasingly amplify psychological stressors, especially when contestants must conceal their true selves for extended periods. This trend necessitates a reevaluation of participant welfare protocols across the industry.
“Mental health support should be a mandatory component of any competitive reality show,” says Dr. Meera Sinha, a clinical psychologist specializing in media‑induced stress.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What type of therapy does Rida Tharana undergo?
She attends cognitive‑behavioral therapy sessions twice a week to manage stress and PTSD symptoms. - How did the lack of sunlight affect her mental state?
The absence of natural light disrupted her circadian rhythm, intensifying feelings of anxiety and isolation.