In the wake of a mass violence event, it is common for people to experience intense fear and anxiety. This can be especially challenging for those who work with survivors or who provide mental health services.
Understanding how to manage these fears is essential for anyone striving to provide the best possible care.
In this blog post, we will explore some strategies for managing fear after mass violence.
5 Strategies to Manage Fear After Mass Violence
1. Acknowledge your fear.
When you experience fear after a mass violence event, it can be helpful to acknowledge that fear. This doesn’t mean that you are giving in to the fear or that you are weak. It simply means that you are recognizing what you are feeling and that it is normal to feel this way after such a traumatic event.
Acknowledge your fear, and then do your best to move on. Don’t dwell on the fear or let it consume you. Instead, try to focus on the things that make you happy or on your day-to-day activities.
2. Practice self-care.
Self-care is essential for anyone who is dealing with fear after mass violence. When you take care of yourself, you are better able to cope with the fear and anxiety that you are feeling. There are several ways that you can practice self-care, and it will look different for everyone.
Some self-care tips include:
- Get plenty of rest.
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Exercise regularly.
- Spend time with supportive people.
- Do things that make you happy.
By taking care of yourself, you can give yourself and others around you the support you need.
3. Connect with others.
One of the best ways to manage fear after mass violence is to connect with others. When you feel alone and isolated, fear can be more intense. However, when you connect with others, you can feel supported and understood.
There are many ways to connect with others. You can join a support group, talk to a friend or family member, or even reach out to a mental health professional. Connection is an important part of managing fear after mass violence.
4. Avoid triggers.
When you have experienced fear after a mass violence event, it is important to take steps to avoid triggers. Triggers are things that can cause fear or anxiety to spike. By avoiding triggers, you can minimize the fear and anxiety that you experience.
There are many different things that can be triggers for fear after mass violence. Some common triggers include:
- News stories about the event
- Images or videos of the event
- Sensory reminders of the event (sounds, smells, etc.)
- People who were at the event
- Conversations about the event
Trying to avoid all triggers is not always possible, but doing your best to minimize exposure can be helpful. If you know that a particular trigger is going to be difficult, try to plan ahead and have someone there to help you cope.
5. Seek professional help.
If you find that your fear is impacting your day-to-day life, it might be helpful to seek professional help. A mental health professional can help you understand and manage your fear. They can also provide you with tools and resources to help you cope.
If you are seeking professional help, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure to find a mental health professional who has experience working with trauma survivors. Second, be sure to find a provider with whom you feel comfortable. This is someone whom you can trust and feel safe talking to about your fear.
A therapist or counselor can help you understand and manage your fear after mass violence. Counselors at Behavioral Health Clinic are here and can be scheduled for in-person or online appointments.
Final Thoughts
By following these tips, you can begin to manage the fear that you are feeling after a mass violence event. Remember, it is normal to feel fear after such a traumatic event. However, there are things that you can do to help minimize the fear and anxiety that you are experiencing.
Seek professional help if you find that your fear is impacting your day-to-day life. Schedule your first appointment by contacting Behavioral Health.
