LIVING WITH THE THREAT OF TERRORISM

On September 11, 2001 our nation suffered a terrible catastrophe when terrorists attacked us on our own soil. Since that day, we are no longer isolated from the evils of terrorism. Our daily living practices now involve precautions for our safety in case of another terrorist attack. How will living with this ongoing threat of terrorism affect us as a society? More specifically, how will this continuing stressor affect you and your family?

The rest of the world can certainly serve as our teachers. For many countries, living with the on-going threat of terrorist attacks has been a way of life. It appears as if other nations have managed to go about their daily living with hope and courage. People continue to work and play. Families continue to grow. Our own government continues to encourage us to live each day fully. We have been offered some limited information to help safeguard us in case of an attack, but we are encouraged not to alter our lifestyle.

Because information is power, many of us seek answers and specific advice as to how to protect ourselves. However, the ambiguous nature of the threat often makes concrete advice impossible to attain. The ability to live with a high degree of ambiguity is the best predictor of how equipped an individual is to manage the ongoing stress of this threat.

There is also a fine line between rationally managing this ever-present ambiguous threat to our safety, and simply numbing ourselves and living in denial. To ignore the threat or to continue to believe that we are immune from it, only makes us more susceptible to our shattered emotional responses should another event take place.

Unfortunately, it appears as if we must learn to incorporate the threat of terrorism into our lives. We must maintain a rational approach to recognizing the threat and taking the necessary precautions. However, most importantly, we must live our lives fully and with passion and joy. This will most assuredly provide us with the most sense of control and satisfaction that we are doing all we know how to do to manage in these difficult times.

Laura R. Meers, Ph.D.

Consulting Psychologist