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Terrorism Stressful for Adults

It is likely that for some time, many adults may find themselves dealing with increased anxiety, sleep challenges, more fatigue, restless feelings or irritation, added physical concerns or feelings of loss and sadness.

While the bombing attack in Boston can be stressful for children, it also can affect adults, according to Sean Brotherson, North Dakota State University Extension family science specialist.

""It is likely that for some time, many adults may find themselves dealing with increased anxiety, sleep challenges, more fatigue, restless feelings or irritation, added physical concerns or feelings of loss and sadness,"" Brotherson says. ""This comes from the increased levels of stress and a decreased state of emotional and physical security. Adults will be dealing with peripheral effects of Monday’s attacks that include grief for those who were killed or injured, concern about security conditions and the intense media coverage after the attack."

Brotherson says there are some things to remember when dealing with the increased stress resulting from the bombing.

  • Accept the reality of increased levels of stress and take steps to adjust as needed. If you know that news media coverage will continue to be intense during the next few weeks, perhaps reduce your consumption of television, radio, newspapers or other media to keep stress levels down.
  • Understand the emotions that you feel in response to the attack and the stress that is associated with it. It is entirely normal to feel the strong emotions of sadness, anger, frustration and empathy as a response to the attacks on fellow citizens. Allow yourself to feel and even express these emotions to others in ways that are appropriate. It will help you process how you are feeling.
  • Pay attention to how your stress level is affecting your attitudes and responses to others. Often stress leads to being more tired, irritable or impatient, so you may need to be careful in how you interact with others or the situations in which you put yourself.
  • Recognize that stress results not only from the occurrence of the actual tragedy and associated feelings but also from anxiety about other possible attacks or the security of fellow citizens. Talk openly with a spouse, parent other family members or friends if you feel anxious or angry about security or the possibility of further attacks. Sharing your feelings will help you gain a sense of perspective and control of your life.
  • Take time to engage in activities that let you relax and resume a normal pace of life. This may include conversation time with a friend or family member, going out to dinner or watching a movie with family or friends.
  • Participate in opportunities to express your feelings associated with the terrorist attack. Such opportunities may include attending a memorial service, displaying a flag, making a donation, providing community service or engaging in other appropriate remembrance activities.
  • Engage in activities that you feel provide opportunities for you to relieve your feelings of stress. Different strategies help us manage our feelings and calm our emotions when under high levels of stress. Identify what works for you. Suggestions include walking or exercising, listening to music, engaging in prayer or meditation, talking to a close friend or taking occasional short breaks from work or other intense activities.
  • Avoid patterns of stress relief that may become problematic. These may include excessive drinking, misuse of drugs, overeating high-calorie foods, obsessive viewing of news reports, extreme displays of anger, withdrawal or personal isolation or attempts to harm or mistreat others.
  • Get plenty of sleep and eat healthful foods. Stress drains a person’s energy and makes it more difficult for a person to function well physically and emotionally. Good sleep patterns and nutritious eating habits help provide the energy reserves that are needed to deal effectively with added levels of stress. Encourage others in your family who may be feeling added stress to do the same.
  • Slow down and express appreciation for the positive things in your life. Find hope in the kindness shared by a neighbor. Share happiness in the affectionate touch of a family member or the laughter of a child. Kindle love in the expression of a caring word or gesture.

""Each of us should be aware that the events occurring in Boston will leave us affected as individuals and as a nation,"" Brotherson says. ""The stress and anxiety that have come upon us and will continue for a time are real. However, we should strive to replace fear with faith in the future and in one another."

For additional information about coping with anxiety or stress, go to http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/familyscience/terrorism. You can contact Brotherson at (701) 231-6143, sean.brotherson@ndsu.edu; Kim Bushaw at (701) 231-7450, kim.bushaw@ndsu.edu; or your county Extension office.


NDSU Agriculture Communication – April 16, 2013

Source:Kim Bushaw, (701) 231-7450, kim.bushaw@ndsu.edu
Source:Sean Brotherson, (701) 231-6143, sean.brotherson@ndsu.edu
Editor:Rich Mattern, (701) 231-6136, richard.mattern@ndsu.edu
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