You are SAFE!

By: Dr. Patricia R. Williams-Cruz, LCSW, U.S. Army, Major (O-4), Retired

Breaking News!

You are at home with your family and as safe as you were before you just saw the BREAKING NEWS! I suspect you have made a conscious effort to avoid news, drama, war, and anything else you realized over time triggers Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms.

Here we are on January 7, 2020, with no necessary warning there is BREAKING NEWS! It seems things are heating up in the Middle East, and the United States military forces are very close to the action. This time, for many people, Veterans, in particular, might be a bit tricky.

Reminder

Our recent memory serves us right. The places being mentioned on the news today are hitting close to home. Some of us have actually had tours of duty in these places in support of the Global War on Terror. That is all the reminder you need. You do want to know what is going on in the world; after all, there is a play-by-play analysis on all the major news networks. Moreover, you know your reaction as you look and listen will be over-the-top…and it is just the news. Again, you are physically safe!

Analysis

Research shows there is a connection between seeing pictures about trauma causing events, can increase stress symptoms. If you have had a traumatic experience (no matter the cause), watching the news about certain topics can activate your body’s fear and threat responses (stress system). PTSD symptoms are triggered the same way; and lead you to believe you are in far more danger than you really are.

Realistically, you know where you are but have difficulty calming your disrupted sense of safety and fear. As a reminder, long after your personal trauma healed, your brain and body still self-protects automatically. It is extremely difficult to avoid the news cycle; those with post-trauma experiences have to work harder than ever to stay reality focused. PTSD will not let the quietness of well-implemented coping skills stay that way.

What to do.

*Do your best to control the amount of news you watch, if you: feel anxious; you cannot turn the TV off; suddenly stopped enjoying usual activities or having difficulty sleeping.

*Do not watch news right before going to bed; talk to people you trust to stay updated; read short news stories versus watching on TV or internet; get some exercise; seek out a support group; or contact your therapist.
You are safe!