Terrorism-Acute stress reactions
Are you viewing an excessive amount of media coverage of the Las Vegas terrorist attack? If you feel a need to know, take a limited look at print information and focus on the stories of the victims and the heroic first responders, not the graphic, repeated news/images on cable television sites.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop in some people who have seen or lived through a shocking, scary, or dangerous event.
Those who have experienced or witnessed a terrorist attack may feel one or all of these symptoms:
- Recurring thoughts of the incident.
- Becoming afraid of everything, not leaving the house or isolating yourself.
- Stopping usual functioning, no longer maintaining daily routines.
- Survivor guilt — “Why did I survive? I should have done something more.”
- Tremendous sense of loss.
- Reluctance to express your feelings, losing a sense of control over your life.
(From Managing Traumatic Stress: Coping with Terrorism-American Psychological Association)
Those who have not been affected directly by a terrorist attack could have some similar symptoms, if they too have experienced significant trauma in their life. Practice self-care. Are you viewing an excessive amount of media coverage regarding the Orlando terrorist attack?
Well Healthy Ways 
Good advice. You are so right about exposing ourselves to the strong, repetitive views on TV. Sometimes you don’t even realize you’re not looking at anything new. It’s just the same scenes over and over again. At least this time they are showing mostly scenes of chaos rather than horrific scenes. I find, too, as I get older that these kinds of images and news stories affect me more than before; they are more upsetting. I took your advice and am limiting my input. I’m now using my energy in looking for a couple of places to make donations for the ongoing disasters around the world instead.
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What a great way to channel your care and concern for others Clara!
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