I had just read the articles in the May/June 2016 issue of Scientific American Mind on The Mind of A Terrorist when news came in about the unthinkable Orlando massacre.

“The steep and virulent rise of terrorism ranks among the more disturbing trends in the world today. According to the 2015 Global Terrorism Index, terror-related deaths have increased nearly 10-fold since the start of the 21st century, surging from 3,329 in 2000 to 32,685 in 2014. Between 2013 and 2014 alone, they shot up 80 percent.” (Scientific American Mind May/June 2016)

And now we have all of the innocent victims, including their loved ones, in Orlando:(

Intense, non-stop media coverage can have a negative impact on some adults and children depending on their exposure and past experiences.  Those affected may have nightmares or become anxious and depressed.  Research has found that for some, having  witnessed a great deal of media exposure alone, without being at the scene of an attack or having any connection to the victims, seemed to be a cause of PTSD.

The goal of a terrorist is to terrorize. And terror is a response by people. I know for myself, if I watch too much media coverage or read about the incidents on the internet before going to bed, it affects my ability to get to sleep.  Take care of yourself and/or your children.  Turn off the television and give your internet exposure a rest.