Dr. Henry Paul, MD

Psychiatrist, Author and Educator

TERRORISM CREATS ANXIETY FOR US ALL

November 18th, 2015

44126016_sThe terrorist attacks on Friday night in Paris have raised the anxiety of people around the world. The news that a terrorist organization is targeting innocent civilians is unsettling. The television and the Internet are aflood with pictures of the attacks, stories from survivors and projections about the next target. As anxiety levels rise, parents must remember to set a good example. Anxiety is quite contagious and children model behaviors, they especially take their cues from their parents. Parents must act rationally and provide an atmosphere of protection and safety. Children, teens, and tweens, not to mention college students live in a world where school shootings have become the norm and terrorist groups like ISIS are daily news. After the Paris attacks,  young people are seeing on television, reading on the Internet and hearing at home and in school about terrorist attacks that could happen in their city near their home.

As a nation, we need to make sure that our young people are a priority as we deal with the threats from both international and domestic terrorists. The images seen on TV or online do make terrorist attacks and school shootings seem close by. It’s scary. The reality is that your chances of being in an attack are very, very small. But, that doesn’t seem to matter much when you see the pain, fear and anxiety constantly going on around you.

Here are some strategies for dealing with the fears and anxiety created by such attacks:

  • Limit the time you and your children watch the news. Is it necessary to have the news channel on all day?
  • Reassure and provide your kids the space to talk about their fears and anxiety. Kids should not be afraid to share their fears.
  • Get out and do your normal routine. Getting back into a daily routine is comforting. Sometimes the mundane things in daily life are a great distraction.
  • Visit with friends and try to avoid too much conversation about the attacks. If you need to talk about the attacks, try to make sure that your children are not in ear-shot. Talking may help parents deal with their anxiety but it can heighten anxiety in kids.
  • Join others in participating in candlelight vigils, religious ceremonies, memorial services, or other events.
  • Get support if you or your children need it. If your feelings make it impossible for you to function and do normal stuff, like go to school, it’s time to get help. Children can turn to a parent, teacher, religious leader, or guidance counselor. Adults should reach out to medical professionals, religious leaders, and online support groups.

Sadly, these attacks don’t look like they are going to stop any time soon, so let’s remember to keep our anger and hatred in check and promote peace.

How to Talk to Your Kids About the Attacks in Paris
Helping Children Cope after a Traumatic Event
Helping Children Cope with Frightening News
How to talk to your kids about the terror attacks in Paris

DISCLAIMER
Information contained in this blog is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical or psychiatric advice for individual conditions or treatment and does not substitute for a medical or psychiatric examination. A psychiatrist must make a determination about any treatment or prescription. Dr. Paul does not assume any responsibility or risk for the use of any information contained within this blog.