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| A peace flag at an Anti-Vietnam War protest, 1970, Unknown |
In recent months, the world has faced numerous attacks on international communities. Many of these are human-caused, with the intention of harming others. These events almost always throw our sense of safety, order, and community in shambles. Although the ratio of direct victims to the rest of the general population is incredibly large, these events reach out to those outside the area, regardless of personal connection. People of different ages, races, and experiences can become overwhelmed by the intensity of these events. This comes as no surprise, for we are all part of one human species, and our hearts are connected. But, there are ways to cope with this fear, especially in the long run.
Relax. Many often rush
to help others after a tragic event on compassionate instinct. It doesn't occur
to many that, in order to help others efficiently, one must be stable
themselves. Make sure all of your physical needs are met. Though fear and
anxiety may trigger one to wrap themselves in bed, it's unhealthy to do so, for
both physical and mental health. Relax your mind. Get rid of all the immediate
stress and trauma. Watch a pleasant film, take a nice bath, listen to your
favourite happy record. Look through photos of a favourite vacation, read
through your childhood journals, watch some nostalgic television. Remind
yourself that the world isn't completely awful. This requires patience. It's difficult to come to this conclusion straight away, but it is doable.
Acceptance. Understand that this is something
that is happening, in real time. Although you may want to push it away from you
and forget, there is no doubt that you will encounter it. Through conversations
at work and school, the radio while driving, social media, newsstands as you
walk through the city, it's everywhere, long after the event. This is reality.
You are here.
Get Involved. Many find that the best way to
accept a tragedy is to get involved. Work with your community in establishing
laws and agreements that can prevent more distress. Organize a March for Peace.
Contact your local representatives (Contact info can be found here). Create a petition.
Write an article for your local newspaper. Make a change.
Avoid
overexposure to the media. Acceptance is a
key role in coping. But, with that being said, there are things that can cause
stress and post-traumatic symptoms. The media is one of them. With
exaggerations, aggressive language, and graphic footage, it may not be the best
thing to see immediately after an event. While it's best to stay informed, try
doing so by reading non-bias news articles. This will put order to your brain,
and keep out the panic that a newscast can cause.
Keep your loved
ones close. An event like
this can help many realize the importance of the role that those around them
have in their lives. Maintaining contact with friends and family can assure you
in times of anxiety. Let them know you love them. Having these people around as
a support base can help you as well, especially when you feel scared and alone.
Know when others
need help. Once you've
become stable yourself, approach others. Everyone has the capacity to be
affected by an event like this. Don't undermine someone because they
"don't understand" or they "aren't nearly as affected as [you]
are." Invalidation makes things worse. Because someone may not be a part
of the community affected, does not mean that they don't have a right to grieve
and live in fear. Times like these are when we need unity most. We need to work
with each other and find a solution as people, rather than individually. Help
others and notice their behaviours. Changes in sleeping habits, social anxiety,
eating habits, and mood swings can be signs of distress when it comes to mass
violence. Lend a hand, regardless of where one comes from. They are people too.
Talk about it. Keeping everything bottled up
inside can cause even more distress as time goes by. Realize that there are
hundreds, thousands, even millions of people who feel the same fear as you do.
Express your feelings. Discuss with a parent, a friend, or another trusted love
one about how you feel.
Strive for
balance. While a terrible
event can put a negative view on things, there is a way to look at it
differently. Communities come together. Everyone is focused on one thing, and
they all have one thing in common: the urge to help. No matter their race,
beliefs, gender, or sexuality, people come together to make a difference. Often
times after tragic occurrences, people have an itch to fight, to make a
difference. The people have power, and changes are more likely to be made. Focusing on community can fight the
instinct to panic and spreads love something that the world desperately needs.
Refuse to fall
victim. Fear will no
doubt cause your ground to shake. Your daily routines will be altered as a
result of an event, but that doesn't mean you have to change the way you live.
With violence occurring in schools, concerts, movie theatres, homes, etc.,
there is no way to be completely safe 100% of the time. Going to school,
shopping, hanging out with friends: these are daily essentials. These are risks
you take every day in order to live with satisfaction. Fear should not
overshadow hope and happiness. Continue to live the way you did prior to the
event in question, for there is no reason not to. But, do not hesitate to find
ways to prevent and lessen those risks.
If you feel like
these events are taking a tough toll on your quality of life, do not hesitate
to contact a professional. Never feel alone.