Threats and Terrorism: Conquering Fear
[Update: With the news of today's small plane crash of a plane belonging to pitcher Cory Lidle, Dr. Farrell's reminder to keep things in perspective has been republished.
- WebMD Blog Editor]
The events of 9/11 seemed to be vanishing as time does its work on these things, but now we have been reminded that things really haven't changed. The foiled terrorist planned attacks on three major American airlines in Great Britain have, once again, stressed all of us, but we can and will get through this, too.
Life is a series of our managing events in our lives and the way we manage distressing personal events can be used in this instance. Remember the famous words of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's first inaugural address where he said the "only thing we have to fear is fear itself."? Those are words for all of us now.
First, remember that life goes on and that we need to maintain our daily activities and the structure of our lives. Structure and activities help provide focus and stability for us. If we were to be totally wrapped up in the idea of this latest plot, we would make ourselves victims time and again because these fellows will keep hatching plots. Do you want to have a life of your own choosing? Then, keep on with your goals, work, go to school, have fun with family and friends. These things will help you maintain your mental and physical health.
Second, limit your exposure to news. By that I don't mean that we should all stick our heads in the sand, but don't permit excessive news coverage to raise your level of anxiety. Journalists, unfortunately, have a tendency to try to raise our blood pressure over the events they are covering and this one will be prime for that treatment. Gluing yourself to the TV or radio isn't going to do anything for you in terms of how you need to lead your life. Of course you need to be informed, but you need to decide how much is too much news.
Third, let this be a reminder of the things you hold precious in your life and reach out to those you love and enjoy their company tonight or this week. These latest culprits have helped us to see what is important, so do something that will allow you to share your joy with those around you.
If you need a place to share your concerns, leave a comment here. I'll be checking in throughout the day and will be glad to answer.
Related Topics: Anxiety in Uncertain Times, Trump Stress With Your Thoughts
Technorati Tags: NYC plane crash, terrorism, stress
- WebMD Blog Editor]
The events of 9/11 seemed to be vanishing as time does its work on these things, but now we have been reminded that things really haven't changed. The foiled terrorist planned attacks on three major American airlines in Great Britain have, once again, stressed all of us, but we can and will get through this, too.
Life is a series of our managing events in our lives and the way we manage distressing personal events can be used in this instance. Remember the famous words of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's first inaugural address where he said the "only thing we have to fear is fear itself."? Those are words for all of us now.
First, remember that life goes on and that we need to maintain our daily activities and the structure of our lives. Structure and activities help provide focus and stability for us. If we were to be totally wrapped up in the idea of this latest plot, we would make ourselves victims time and again because these fellows will keep hatching plots. Do you want to have a life of your own choosing? Then, keep on with your goals, work, go to school, have fun with family and friends. These things will help you maintain your mental and physical health.
Second, limit your exposure to news. By that I don't mean that we should all stick our heads in the sand, but don't permit excessive news coverage to raise your level of anxiety. Journalists, unfortunately, have a tendency to try to raise our blood pressure over the events they are covering and this one will be prime for that treatment. Gluing yourself to the TV or radio isn't going to do anything for you in terms of how you need to lead your life. Of course you need to be informed, but you need to decide how much is too much news.
Third, let this be a reminder of the things you hold precious in your life and reach out to those you love and enjoy their company tonight or this week. These latest culprits have helped us to see what is important, so do something that will allow you to share your joy with those around you.
If you need a place to share your concerns, leave a comment here. I'll be checking in throughout the day and will be glad to answer.
Related Topics: Anxiety in Uncertain Times, Trump Stress With Your Thoughts
Technorati Tags: NYC plane crash, terrorism, stress
32 Comments:
I for one feel like my own personal safety when I travel is totally out of my control. How can we continue to exist in the world if we can't even see it safely?
Excellent tips, Pay, thank you. We need to know about these things but they are most certainly out of our control.
I refuse to let fear be the dominating factor in how I choose to live and travel. Awareness isn't fear. It's just being smart.
Since 9-11-01 terrorism is never far from the fore-front of my mind, especially when I travel by plane.
I don't want to get overly-stressed, but I can't help but be worried that we just don't know when these folks will strike us. And, along with my stress I also feel a lot of anger. I'm really not sure how to direct that anger.
But, by far, my biggest fear is letting my kids go anywhere by plane. My girls have an opportunity to travel with a group of other teens to England, Scotland and Wales next summer, and this incident just cemented in my mind how truly dangerous world travel is at this time in history. Am I wrong to be so anxious and overly-cautious?
Please make me feel like I am not a nut!
I definitely agree with turning off the news. I was just watching some of it and thinking to myself...what are they waiting for here? A plane to explode?
The plot has evidently been foiled, security measures are in place, it's a pain in the butt, but still a good thing, and so they should move on. Instead there's footage of flights from the UK landing in New York, flights taking off, and...
WHY? Turn it off, go enjoy the last days of summer and be grateful they seem to be able to nip this in the bud. Say a prayer not one slips through, but I don't think any of us want to see the consequence of that possibility in real time, do we?
Avoiding the news has become routine for me lately. I want to know what's going on but don't need to hear about it for hours every day, complete with slick blockbuster-style promotion.
It's likely North Americans will travel overseas even less now and who can blame them? But it's that travel that is needed in order to gain a better understanding of other cultures and people.
Wake-up calls are never easy. I'm not sure this would stop ME from traveling but, at the same time, I'm glad that those I love have returned home from their travels and I don't have to worry about this aspect for them now.
to anonymous (12:39pm)
Both of my kids traveled to the UK in 2002 just after 9/11 -- there was vigilance but not fear, if that makes sense. What they brought away from those trips sticks now that they're older and will forever. The people they met and the experiences were worth being concerned about safety.
I do understand why you'd be concerned, but I think the bad guys win when we change our lives and plans to accommodate their bully tactics. Try not to worry and consider letting them go.
Fear can be conquered through trust in God and the use of common sense and awareness.
Depending on the opinion and care of others can be devastating; I witnessed it hands on being a victim of Hurricane Katrina.
And as far as "the Bad Guys winning, if we change our lives..." it's not about the bad guys, it's about your own peace of mind, and what makes you feel safe, especially when it comes down to your children.
Adding to the above advice, comments, and suggestions, I would say "be prepared." Meaning, have your key documents (and information like account numbers) and copies stored in safe/accessible places; have emergency supplies available -- water, clothing, flashlight/batteries, battery/crank powered radio, first aid kit/medical supplies/prescriptions, contact information, cash/extra credit cards,...; have a plan -- where to meetup with others in case of emergency, whom to call/inform. This is not exhaustive, but thinking about this then having this preparedness in place seems to reduce anxiety ("what do I do if...?).
As for anger, don't get angry. (1) The easiest target is usually the wrong one, (2) there isn't much a single individual can do but keep abreast of unusual or strange happenings within their familiar surroundings.
For example, is a Muslim now praying in public, facing your town's hospital instead of East? There were routine, not seemingly unusual, sightings of Muslim men praying North toward the WTC during 2001 months and weeks prior to Sept. 11. Muslims are supposed to face East, and there were no obstacles to doing so in downtown NYC.
Some of us do turn off the news, the radio and try to go on with life. Some of us also have issues that days like this simply undo weeks or months of work. Those of us with brains that simply don’t function the way most folk’s do, who have mental illnesses, have a much harder time keeping our minds on track.
I am bi-polar which isn’t hereditary, but caused by events of my childhood. I also disossociate, and have panic attacks if I get the least bit stressed. I am very logical, hating touchy-feeling kind of stuff, but today I’m in tears even though I can logically explain why my flight Sunday should be everything normal!
What sorts of things can those of us that have mental illnesses do to ensure our well being? What sorts of things can we do to be prepared during a flight to help ease the likelihood of an in-flight panic attack that could turn news worthy?
Thanks,
All of your comments are great advice, however I still am taking Buspar and Prozac to deal with my anxiety and fear related to travel and dealing with people. Too many unknowns in this world. Thanks..
As I fully awoke to the breaking news this morning, I realized once again just how fast things can come to fruition in this world.
One moment, you're waiting on an English class to start...The next, the WTC is crashing to the ground. One moment, you're dreaming for a peaceful day ahead, the next you're praying for your exchange brother to have a safe flight as he journey's to Croatia for a visit.
You not only pray for those close, but for the chaos & senseless acts of hatred to cease. You hope for a unity abroad and carefully plan at home.
But you never stop LIVING...You hold your family & friends even more dear...And you appreciate the FREEDOM!
The freedom to turn off the news & head for an evening stroll, the freedom to express your views, the freedom to simply be.
That freedom is what the terrorists want to take away...They want us to cancel the dream vacation...To turn our backs on those who practice different faiths & come from foreign lands...To stand down instead of tall.
We, the People, have to do the opposite...And Live with passion...Love with zeast...And Laugh despite the tears. For that is the key...The key to dealing with the stress...fear...and anxiety.
I challange everyone reading this to go out this evening as the sun sets...Or look at the stars as they dot the sky tonight...And simply breathe in the beauty...:-)!
Love to all!
Becca
As I fully awoke to the breaking news this morning, I realized once again just how fast things can come to fruition in this world.
One moment, you're waiting on an English class to start...The next, the WTC is crashing to the ground. One moment, you're dreaming for a peaceful day ahead, the next you're praying for your exchange brother to have a safe flight as he journey's to Croatia for a visit.
You not only pray for those close, but for the chaos & senseless acts of hatred to cease. You hope for a unity abroad and carefully plan at home.
But you never stop LIVING...You hold your family & friends even more dear...And you appreciate the FREEDOM!
The freedom to turn off the news & head for an evening stroll, the freedom to express your views, the freedom to simply be.
That freedom is what the terrorists want to take away...They want us to cancel the dream vacation...To turn our backs on those who practice different faiths & come from foreign lands...To stand down instead of tall.
We, the People, have to do the opposite...And Live with passion...Love with zeast...And Laugh despite the tears. For that is the key...The key to dealing with the stress...fear...and anxiety.
I challange everyone reading this to go out this evening as the sun sets...Or look at the stars as they dot the sky tonight...And simply breathe in the beauty...:-)!
Love to all!
Becca
I, for one, feel it's time to WAKE UP, AMERICA! Terrorist attacks on Americans can be traced as far back as 1979, with 9-11 being the 1st incident where Americans didn't press the SNOOZE button & go back to sleep. While there's no need for panic, certainly we Americans need to remember that we are at WAR, & can not afford to let these terrorists win. So just pack your hair gel/spray, toothpaste, lotions, liquid make-up, etc. in your check-in bag (better yet, buy them when you arrive at your destination if you can)& don't let these minor inconveniences become more than they are. We are, after all, AMERICANS, and will continue to be free, as long as we learn from history & don't forget it. Remember, this was a FOILED terrorist plot, not an actual attack. If not for stepped-up security after 9-11, it might have been. "Thank a teacher if you can read this; thank a soldier for the freedom to do so."
thank you for pointing out the importance of keeping up to our normal routines inspite of everything that's going on. Let us not be prisoner of our own fear bec. that's exactly what those terrorist wants us to react....the psycholigical tactic can paralize us.
Everyone please understand that God is here and fighting satan that is in all terrorist. This is the reality, they are truly evil. I pray every day for all my friends and family and go to church every Sunday. Our Pastor prays for our military to be safe, etc... We must all turn to Jesus, this is also the reality. Forget what Hollywood wants and support our President and our great country or we will never be able to turn back to the "American Dream". Remember that? Turn off the news, I had to!! I am on day 11 except for yesterday, the casino has Fox on all day, it's good for big news and keeping up. We must unite and pray daily!! Be Blessed, S.
Hi everyone,
Dr. Farrell will be checking the comments later this evening and will be responding then. Thanks so much for all of your great comments and encouragements!
What a great number of comments and what great spirit all of you have shown today. It hasn't been easy, but let's not forget that it's never been easy.
How many of you remember WWII when we actually had air raid drills here in the US? I do. One of my neighbors (I was a small child) was the local warden and would come around to make sure all of us had our curtains pulled and lights out. We had a bucket of sand in the hallway and an ax and a special water device for pumping water onto a fire.
My mother was wonderful and she just made it all seem like it was part of life and refused to show any anxiety. Now I know how hard that must have been.
You've heard it before--the moment you get up in the morning something can happen, but you don't lead your life or your day thinking that. If you did, you'd make yourself a prisoner of anxiety and fear and would have no life at all.
You've all offered words of encouragement and support and that's what all of us need to do now. We are together in this, no matter where you live. Unfortunately, there are power hungry individuals who wield that power by fear they instill in us. Take their power away from them and live your life as you want.
Yes, things will be a bit different, but we'll adapt and go on. The only way to fight the fear is to take it head on and do what you want. The less you give in, the more powerful you become. Even if you have some doubts, see how much you can do and then do a bit more.
Keep yourself informed and take whichever precautions will make you feel a bit better. You each know yourself very well and you know how to calm yourself even in this upsetting day.
When it feels like we are living on the Eve of Destruction, it is so hard to be hopeful and carry on as always. It seems hopeless and it seems like it is inevitable that something horrible will happen. It already seems like the world is coming to an end in the Middle East. They hate and kill and never stop. For what? It must be awful to try to live normally over there.
I had nearly talked myself into flying again, to visit relatives and friends I haven't seen for several years. I haven't flown in many many years and now I don't think I will be able to again.
Where will it all end? What kind of world are we leaving for our children and grandchildren? They won't worry about fluoridating our grandchildren's water; they will probably be adding Xanax instead.
~Tasker
You know, we need to remember the serinity prsyer..we cant do anything about things we have no control over. If we go around afraid all the time, they win. Thats how terrorists get their fire fueled. There is nothing we can do about war, and attacks,etc...we can do what we can to be safe, buti n the long run,we have no control over any of it
Don't turn off the news!
But when you watch it realize how your fear makes winners out of the Terrorists and out of the Bush Adminstration at the same time.
They both profit from our fear and terror. We lose because we are no safer. In fact we are in more peril every day that our leaders fail to use diplomacy and common sense to solve the problems that face us. A Bolton in the UN aggravates our peril. In-your-face creates terrorists!
Who profits? BP and all the oilmen who profiteer from our military adventures across the globe.
I was a moderate through Korea and Viet Nam. No longer. There has to be a better way! There *is* a better way.
anonymous above this blog is ridiculous. last time i checked this was a blog for anxiety and fear.. not politics. lets be a little more mature please.
Very good tips.
As you can see, changes and indifference are the sources of fear and stress. Hence, what can we do? First, we need to turn our receptiveness into response. We need to turn apathy into sympathy. We need to turn lack of interest into interest and lack of concern into concern. We need to dispose of the coldness in our heart and develop warmth that will help us handle the stress that is a part of our everyday lives.
http://www.selfhelpzone.com/category/stress-management/
I realized how unattached I am from the fear I felt when I actually saw the Towers being hit on TV as it happened? Today I called AA and asked about redeeming my mileage for a free ticket and I think the guy from the airlines must have thought "she's nuts! Doesn't she know about the mayhem here at all the airports?" But? I had seen it on the internet before calling and hey? One has to live and flying is necessary sometimes when driving is not an option. I find it more difficult however when my family ridicules me about my anxieties to get to the airport on time. They have missed flights several times but they don't seem to care. I however? Stick to the one and one half hour to two hours early. Maybe I am nuts?
it's not the terrorism which bothers me? (like the expert terrorist professor said "today? [yesterday?] is the best possible day to fly!" but my family ridicule me when i get anxious and want to go to the airport extra early. they have missed their planes in the past but i get too nervous about getting on the plane in time!
This about anxiety, but it's also about our world and how we have to live in it and that may be bordering on the political. I don't think anyone here is trying to push one political philosophy over another, just trying to get some support.
As I've said before, there are people who will want to hurt us, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't leave the house. Facing our fears is the only way to conquer them and anyone who's ever had tx. for a phobia knows that's the way to defeat fear.
We all need the opportunity to enjoy our lives and if that means taking a plane or driving somewhere, that's what we need to do. There's no magic here, just hard work and I know that tackling anxiety IS hard work. The fear is there even while you're doing what you fear, but it is less once you see you can succeed.
Dr. Farrell,
You are right. And proceeding in the face of fear is courage and it how we learn to be courageous. That first step....
Judging by the multitude of responses here, do I see a new book from you on living in the age of threats and terrorism? I think a book by you on this would be wonderful!
Thanks for providing a place to speak about this specific fear.
~Tasker
nobody can agree threatening inocent people,but we can,t understand why american kill thousands may be millions,in irak and lebanon
I am an American that has been living in Scotland for almost two years now. I have always been terrified of flying, and have not been home to visit beacuse of my fear. We are due to return home in November, and I don't think I can handle 8 hours of sheer panic wondering if I am on the doomed flight. I just want to get home to my country, I just want to see American soil again. There is a greater sense of security living in America than on an island 890 miles long.
Thank you for bringing this to everyones attention. They win if we live in fear. Franklin was right there is nothing to fear but fear itself. I have used that same phrase whenever I'm afraid to do something or go somewhere or even to go out the door long before 911. Because there is a lot of truth in that phrase. Rita from Philly Thanks again
Make the trip back home. Don't let them keep you away from those people and places you love. If we don't continue to live our lives, we become prisoners and waste our lives and deny our joy. Sure, it's going to be difficult, but you can do it. Use the anger that you feel when someone does something to you that's unfair and turn it to your advantage--travel.
We can't control everything and that's something all of us have to live with. The one thing we can control is how we look at things and how we approach our lives.
If you need examples of how people can overcome the most extraordinary and terrifying events, just think about the Britich during the bombings of WWII. Those people knew the air sirens means bombs were on their way, yet they lived their lives, walked to the shelters and tried to comfort their children. They were magnificent.
You don't need to be magnificent, but you do need to take a hard look at what's important and how you can find ways to cope with whatever comes your way. Sometimes, unfortunately, true "personal accounting" measures are only taken when a life-threatening illness occurs. Don't wait for anything like that. Do what you can beginning today and you'll be the better for it.
I FEAR THE END OF THE WORLD. I OBSESS OVER IT AND LIFE IN FEAR FOR MY CHILDREN. I AM ON MEDICATION WHICH HAS HELPED BY I STILL HAVE A DARK CLOUD OVER ME EVERY DAY
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