Ronald Araújo (26) offered a heartfelt reflection on social media, the criticism directed at both him and his family across different platforms, and how reconnecting with his spirituality and Christian faith helped him regain strength.
You decided to spend a few days traveling in Israel. Was it a spiritual retreat? What did that trip give you?
It was a very personal trip. I’m a Christian, and I went to a place with deep significance for Christianity. I needed that time of peace, of solitude, to be calm and reconnect with what I believe in—with Jesus. I needed to reconnect and understand many things because I had a lot of questions. It helped me tremendously. I was able to be at peace, it gave me clarity, I found the answers I was looking for, and it gave me the motivation to face what lies ahead. It was a very beautiful trip for me.
How crucial has faith been in your recovery?
It has been the key. Reconnecting again, understanding my purpose, understanding why we are here.
Speaking about your faith in God, what did your goal celebration in Albacete—covering your face with one hand—mean?
It meant: don’t look at me. The glory is not mine, it belongs to God. I covered my face so that people wouldn’t see me, so that the glory would be His.
How much did the criticism on social media affect your state of mind?
Over time, you begin to understand the place you’re in and the magnitude of everything you do. I tried not to let it affect me, but eventually it reaches you—through a friend, a brother, your family. I try to open the umbrella and shield myself, but when they go after your family, it’s very tough. It reaches your wife, your father, your siblings. Maybe people can’t get to you directly, but they know that if they target your family, it will reach you.
I’ll share something to show how serious it can get. I remember one day I was drinking mate with my wife. I noticed her expression change as she looked at her phone, and tears started falling. I asked her what happened. She said, “I don’t understand the evil in people—they’re wishing death upon our daughters.”
When things reach that level, you start questioning a lot. You realize how broken society can be, or how unhinged people can be on social media. Maybe it doesn’t hit you directly, but your family suffers. Your mother, your wife, your siblings—they suffer too. They will have to learn to deal with it because unfortunately this is the world we live in today. But it’s very hard when they go after your family.
How important was your family’s support throughout the process?
It was essential. My wife has been incredibly brave. We have two very young daughters, and she had the courage to take care of them while also giving me the strength I needed. My parents and my siblings suffered a lot as well. I called my father to explain the decision I had made, and at first he didn’t really understand—it’s country people, more reserved when it comes to emotions. It was hard for him to grasp, but at one point he told me, “Whatever you decide, I support you.” That meant so much. It was very important, and that’s when I made my decision.
My wife’s family—my mother-in-law, my brothers-in-law—and some of my cousins were also key. I’m surrounded by people I love, and what matters is that if they stand with you, that’s your core. Once you have that, you can shut everything else out.
When working with mental health specialists, do you talk about the possibility of relapse? Are you afraid of that happening?
No, because I see it differently now. I believe the worst is already behind me. I’ve already hit rock bottom. I’m well prepared, working with great professionals, and I’m eager to face whatever comes next.