Note: In uncertain times, we may be faced with some issues we have not faced before as a country, as families and as individuals. As a public service, the University of Michigan Health System is offering this package, which discusses the psychological effects of war and terrorism, to help your viewers or readers cope with the difficult days ahead.
When the U.S. Department of Homeland Security raises the threat level on the advisory system up a notch, the nation's anxiety level follows suit. These days, many Americans are struggling with some tough questions: What does this mean for my family and me? How safe are we? What should we be doing to prepare?
Unfortunately, many of the questions now facing us have no clear-cut answers. To help ease the anxiety many Americans are feeling over being on the front lines of the war on terrorism, a University of Michigan Health System expert offers some common-sense advice.
"The government alert system represents something that we're not familiar with, and when we have something that's both unfamiliar and threatening, that's a good recipe for stress, anxiety, difficulty sleeping and all that goes along with just being worried," explains Joseph Himle, PhD., associate director, Anxiety Disorders Program, Department of Psychiatry at UMHS.
"Many of the sort of stressors we're accustomed to we have some degree of control over -- we can drive more carefully, we can stay out of a dark alley, we can stop smoking," says Himle. "In this case, it's harder for us to control the threat we face from terrorism."
Normally people go about their usual routine to help manage everyday stress and anxiety. Work and fun, rest and relaxation all help keep our lives in balance. "What can happen during times like these is that we cut back on many of the things we use to balance our lives, to help control our stress. We may spend less time with others, we cut back on our exercise, we don't do as many things for fun -- we cut back at the very time we need these activities the most," Himle says.
In addition to maintaining a healthy balance in your life, Himle is a strong believer in using your body's natural instincts to notice when things aren't quite right. "However, people who try to keep too high a level of vigilance will find themselves more fatigued and anxious, and often less able to respond to a real threat," he says.
"I think that if you actually decide to hole up in a center room of your house and duct tape the windows, you'll likely end up more stressed than if you just went about your business and trusted your instincts to tell you when to act."
That's not to say you shouldn't have some duct tape (among other items) on hand as the Department of Homeland Security recommends. In fact the motto on their web site for the public, www.ready.gov, urges "Don't be afraid∑ be prepared."
Preparation does seem to help ease anxiety. "Thinking ahead and preparing often makes us feel more comfortable about the risks that we may encounter," says Himle. "If it's done within reason, it probably makes sense for most people to do something that they feel prepares them for trouble, even though they may never need to use it."
Himle also advises anxious citizens to be selective about the information they're exposed to on a daily basis. "A constant stream of information from the television, radio or internet is not necessary and probably causes much more harm than good," he says.
Tips for dealing with terrorism anxiety:
- Continue normal everyday activities to maintain balance in your life.- Add stress-reducing activities such as slow-paced breathing, yoga or other forms of relaxation therapy.- Trust your instincts to tell you when something or someone seems suspicious.- Don't overreact to perceived threats of terrorism by taking radical steps to protect yourself.- Do take time to prepare for an emergency.- Be informed, but try to avoid information overload.
For more information, visit the following web sites:
Health Topics A to Z: Understanding Stresshttp://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/primry/life11.htm
Health Topics A to Z: Anxietyhttp://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/aha/aha_anxiety_crs.htm
American Psychological Association: Different kinds of stresshttp://www.helping.apa.org/work/stress4.html
Department of Homeland Securityhttp://www.dhs.govDepartment of Homeland Securityhttp://www.ready.gov
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