Terrorism: What You Can Do

Over the past week I have been completely horrified at the recent failed terror plot of a flight on Christmas day that nearly took the lives of 300 people.

I have asked myself over and over, as we all have..”Why do things like this happen?”. My firm belief is that until there is a shift in our collective conscientiousness as a people toward peace, I am afraid terrorism will continue.

Thankfully, this time we were spared.

To me, the survivor of some serious emotional battles in my life, I have a feeling inside as if I might have an understanding to some small degree as to what goes on inside a person like this. The bomber was clearly a troubled young man, and the simple fact is that when we don’t deal with our issues in life, they will deal with us.

As a result, he cried out for attention, most likely the only way he knew how. Don’t get me wrong, I do not support his cause or feel sorry for this man. In my opinion, they should hang him high for sure.

What this “would be” terrorist did is completely wrong and totally unjustifiable.

Sometimes we can’t deal with life and the things that trouble us all by ourselves. We need help and help is there, no matter what your situation may be – if you will only have the courage to reach out.

Terror plots against this nation are going to happen. Some will succeed. That’s just a fact of the world we live in today.

So, What Can You Do When Tragic Events Occur To Cope?
Here are some helpful coping tips that might help us not only in times of great tragic events, but in everyday life as well. I hope it helps.

Remember that you are not alone in feeling overwhelmed. 
Most Americans have found the devastation of events like 9/11 and other terror plots to be unbelievably horrible. It has caused many to be afraid, to cry, and to be angry. These emotions are intensified by the feelings of helplessness that accompany the shock at the impact of this horrific crime. While some of the ideas below speak to people who have suffered injury or death in their families, they are meant to help all who are suffering crisis reactions.
Don’t isolate yourself.

Make connections with others who heard about, or who may have witnessed or survived the event. They may be roommates, family members, or friends who might be able to share their perspectives on what you all experienced and validate what are likely common responses. Turn to acquaintances or counselors who may just want to be there to listen to your story about what happened to you. Remember, even if you don’t want to talk about the event, it helps to know that someone is around who cares and may have experienced similar reactions to the horrific situation.

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Express your reactions or feelings.

Many people discover that when they find appropriate words to describe emotions of fear, anger, grief – or any other feeling – it helps to define what happened, and that can help reduce the intensity of the emotions. Some cultures and some people do not feel comfortable with talking about these things, so for them, it might be more helpful to express their reactions through physical activity, music, writing, or art.
Keep to ordinary routines as much as possible.

Maintaining established patterns of life does not mean that you are minimizing the effect of the tragedy. Sticking to your normal routine can actually help to stabilize a life that has been dramatically altered. Everyone needs some kind of anchor in restoring everyday activities. Routines can be that anchor. For victims or survivors whose lives have been shattered and whose routines have been destroyed, integrating new activities into their days may become necessary.
Focus on maintaining physical health
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Try to eat regular meals, take daily vitamins, engage in some physical exercise and get rest. Mental distress takes a physical toll on your body. In order to keep up your strength to face the days ahead, it is important to keep as physically fit as possible. If you are enduring great emotional anguish, you may want to contact your doctor.
Reach out for spiritual connections.

If you have a strong faith and this tragic event has challenged it, get in touch with others of your own faith or your spiritual advisors to help work through some of the questions you might be facing. If you do not have a faith system, but have spiritual values, try to find someone who might share those values to talk with. Restore your connection with the environment around you, if that is the source of your sense of meaning in the world.
Learn all you can about the reactions you are having.

Education is key. 
It often helps to know what physical and mental reactions are common after a tragedy like this. Think about your former experiences with extreme stress or traumatic events, and consider how you have coped with those experiences in a positive way. Read or watch educational materials on how traumatic events often affect people and try to follow suggested ways of coping with these events. Ask for help in learning about such reactions. There are many organizations and agencies throughout the United States that can provide you with additional materials, referrals to resources, or counseling assistance.

Visit Our Resources Page For A List Of More Helpful Agencies

Do you have a personal experience with Terrorism? What do you think should be done to stop terrorism?

Please leave a comment below and tell us what you think.