Brenda Crawford-Clark

Put the Breaks on Terror's Impact in the Home

The tragic occurrence of terrorism can create trauma symptoms in those watching TV at home. Though you may be thousands of miles from the site, TV, computers and our consuming need to know bring the terror, blood and fear into your living room, exposing you and your children to a world you never wanted them to see.

You're having breakfast and all of a sudden your life changes. The same feelings can occur as those that are born after experiencing abuse or intense loss. Current events activate a flood of feelings similar to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms, and some may actually find themselves reliving the previous events.

The first step is to acknowledge that these are not crazy feelings. With the media offering immediate and graphic details, it may seem as if the events are happening in your home, leaving some individuals feeling vulnerable. Some had friends or acquaintances who were directly affected, but in reality all have been effected with the violation of our sense of safety. These are the same feelings felt by sexual assault survivors, or victims of a crime or abuse feel.

If you've had any history of trauma or loss, a tragedy can give you a double-whammy. You may be reacting not only to the current terrorism, but to the previous traumatic event … causing you to re-experience the same feelings that consumed you when a previous traumatic event or loss took place.

When this happens, many resort to learned coping skills to dissociate or get out of those painful feelings as soon as possible. You might withdraw, or turn to a compulsive behavior such as shopping, gambling, drinking or working.

You may reach for food. In our society it has been acceptable to use food to alter our emotions. However, if you aren't facing the cause of those emotions straight on, they will continue to churn and sabotage you. Trauma can result in chronic weight battles.

Knowing what you are feeling and recognizing that you might be over-reacting is an important step to prevent relapse into self-destructive behavior. Ground yourself by saying, "I am in a safe place now. This is not the situation that occurred when I was hurt before, and I am not in a terrorist attack right now."

Staying in the now and doing ongoing reality checks is essential for us all. During times of high risk you want to increase your self-nurturing by making sure you get enough sleep and that you eat regularly. If you've had issues with your weight or experienced eating disorders, be careful to monitor your eating. If you find yourself overeating or forgetting to eat, don't con yourself but instead take some constructive action. You may want to monitor your behaviors for a few weeks with a chart.

Be proactive and face these feelings head-on. If you feel out of control, choose healthy activities that can make you feel more in control. Listen and don't judge your emotions, they are not good or bad. Emotions have a purpose and can tell you what you need to do to take care of yourself.

Don't get lost in the tragedy. Rather, set reasonable boundaries on the information you are taking in. That may mean you stay away from news stories if you find yourself getting more anxious. Talk about it, but if you find a conversation overwhelming, stop. Taking action to face down any old trauma connections can be very helpful. You may want to read self-help books or work with a counselor who specializes in trauma.

The events of September 11 have been a tremendous loss to our society, and we will all go through a roller-coaster of feelings, exactly as we would when we lose someone we love. It is not unusual to vary from feeling overwhelming sadness, to anxiety, denial and anger.

If you find yourself having trouble sleeping or sleeping too much, if you can't get the tragedy out of your mind, have rapid heartbeats, ongoing anxiety or depression and a lingering feeling of fear that lasts for more than a few weeks, seek the help of a licensed mental health counselor. The earlier someone gets help with trauma, the less the long-term interference. It can have a direct, negative effect on relationships.

Keeping a journal, using art to express your feelings help you release them in a healthy way. Ritual ceremonies like lighting a candle in memory of those lost, attending prayer vigils and flying a flag can also help you ground yourself and let go of the pain. All this will help you energize yourself and move forward with your life.


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Copyright © 2001 Brenda Crawford-Clark. All rights reserved worldwide.