Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel may have you on edge and glued to news alerts as the death toll continues to tick upward. The devastating details can cause collective feelings of sadness, stress and anxiety for many across the globe.
Tragic events can be difficult to manage, especially if they leave you feeling helpless to respond or help those in need. Dr. Russell C. Hancock of Atrium Health Behavioral Health in Charlotte shares:
"I think it is vitally important for everyone to understand that in multiple forms, this is trauma. All of us have different reactions to trauma, but to know and be fully aware of the plight of thousands of people dying is traumatic. Many have said that the attacks in Israel is comparable to 9/11 and New York City and for some, yes, they may be similar. But we are not in 2001; we are in 2023. Life has changed over the years in a variety of ways (i.e., think of airline travel); there are precautions and guidelines that changed as a result of 9/11. The lives of many were forever altered because of the terrorist attack. Now, such changes will be implemented for individuals in the Middle East."
And while it’s upsetting to hear about the attack, it can also cause feelings of uncertainty and worry about what will happen moving forward. Dr. Hancock says that although these emotional responses are normal, there are things you can do to help manage the distress associated with these global events that are largely outside of our personal control or impact.
"What I find most important during these times is not only acknowledgement but also recognition of resiliency, layers upon layers of grief, and ongoing shock. I think it is vital that people allow themselves grace, space and the ability to process feelings and emotions. The complexities to our feelings during times of grief and sorrow can inhibit our abilities to be present and actualize what is happening in our lives and that of others."
Tragic events can be difficult to manage, especially if they leave you feeling helpless to respond or help those in need. Dr. Russell C. Hancock of Atrium Health Behavioral Health in Charlotte shares:
"I think it is vitally important for everyone to understand that in multiple forms, this is trauma. All of us have different reactions to trauma, but to know and be fully aware of the plight of thousands of people dying is traumatic. Many have said that the attacks in Israel is comparable to 9/11 and New York City and for some, yes, they may be similar. But we are not in 2001; we are in 2023. Life has changed over the years in a variety of ways (i.e., think of airline travel); there are precautions and guidelines that changed as a result of 9/11. The lives of many were forever altered because of the terrorist attack. Now, such changes will be implemented for individuals in the Middle East."
And while it’s upsetting to hear about the attack, it can also cause feelings of uncertainty and worry about what will happen moving forward. Dr. Hancock says that although these emotional responses are normal, there are things you can do to help manage the distress associated with these global events that are largely outside of our personal control or impact.
"What I find most important during these times is not only acknowledgement but also recognition of resiliency, layers upon layers of grief, and ongoing shock. I think it is vital that people allow themselves grace, space and the ability to process feelings and emotions. The complexities to our feelings during times of grief and sorrow can inhibit our abilities to be present and actualize what is happening in our lives and that of others."
