Tips for coping with anxiety about war and terrorism

The world has changed for many of us, and anxiety is a normal response. We hear about war and terrorism every day now, and no one should be embarrassed about feeling fearful as a result. The problem is, we now have to live our lives in a changing world. We can become paralyzed by our anxiety or we can figure out how to live safely but fully. What follows are tips for taking control.

Ask for help if you need it. If you find yourself unable to function or if you are concerned about your level of anxiety, talk to a professional. Specific problem signs include sleep difficulties, loss of appetite, loss of interest in your usual activities, irritability, obsessive (or uncontrollable) thoughts, overwhelming guilt, and difficulty concentrating. Having one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that you have a disorder of some kind or that you will need to be in therapy for a long time. If you want to get control of your life back, however, you may need help doing so, and you shouldn't be embarrassed about asking for it.

Spend time with family and friends. Talking with your loved ones about what is happening is helpful for both you and them. And spending time getting your mind off current events is also helpful. Family and friends remind you of what is important in your life and help you feel loved and secure.

Find out what is being done for your personal safety. What is your workplace doing to keep you safe? What is your local government doing? What is your school doing to keep your children safe? Do not hesitate to ask. Do not hesitate to call for meetings so that everyone can find out what is happening as well as what can be done to help. Get involved in the safety process at work, school and in your community.

Take steps to keep yourself and your family safe. Rather than becoming panicky about news reports on terrorist threats, become knowledgeable on what you would do in different emergency situations. Prepare your home for emergencies or disasters. Learn CPR and first aid. Know the route to your local hospital. Think of concrete steps you can take to stay safe rather than allowing yourself to be swept up in anxiety about what might happen.

Control your exposure to the news; don't let the news control you. It may be tempting to keep the television or radio on all the time, but try reducing your news intake and see if it reduces your anxiety. Set specific guidelines for yourself regarding your news intake each day. Decide whether you will watch, read or listen to the news. Decide how long and when you will do it. You may also find that reading the news rather than watching it will keep you informed without overloading your emotions.

Help your mind by taking care of your body. Get enough sleep each night (and if you're having trouble, talk to your doctor). Eat healthy and regular meals. Exercise. Lessen your intake of alcohol and caffeine. Try to stick to a routine for a while.

Help other people. People in your community and far away need your help in so many ways. Even if your ability to help is limited, you still will be able to find ways to contribute your abilities and time. Even online, you may find ways to share your experiences, support and comfort to people who need it. Use your imagination to come up with creative ways to help other people, and take your mind off your own anxieties.

Take time to enjoy yourself. It is not wrong to have fun even during difficult times. Take time to return to hobbies or pursuits you have enjoyed in the past. Get out of your house and enjoy activities with friends and family. Invite people to your home. If you're having difficulty finding enjoyable activities, then really sit down and think about what you might enjoy and set aside time to do it. If you're having trouble feeling happy or having fun, it may be time to talk to a counselor about how you're feeling.