Processing Violence (by Elizabeth)
As mothers of challenging children, we often find ourselves acutely sensitive to tragedies that raise our children’s anxieties as well as our own. And the media often play on our fears. For some suggestions on “processing the Virginia Tech shootings,” I turn to Gail Saltz, Psychiatrist, columnist, best-selling author and television commentator.
"The truth is that school shootings are really rare, but the media coverage may lead one to believe it is an epidemic. It is important to try to keep perspective on the risks involved because anxiety about safety can run away with you and become debilitating.
How does one do that?
Avoid exposing yourself to too much media coverage. Watching rebroadcasts just increases anxiety without increasing information.
Talk to others who may be feeling what you are. It's comforting to know you are not alone.
Talk with kids, if they are old enough, about how people do heal from tragedy. Explain how people cope.
Feeling anxious and depressed is normal but if you feel either overwhelmed or the feelings do not go away over time then seek the help of a professional. Some people, even those not directly exposed, can develop deeper depression or post traumatic stress disorder."
For more information, visit http://gailsaltz.ivillage.com/health/2007/04/processing_the_virginia_tech_s.html?par=today,wb
