Summer travel season is upon us. But as we prepare to pack our bags for far-off destinations, news reports of violence targeting tourists here at home, around the globe, on the ground and in the air reverberate in our consciousness. Whether it’s mentally ill civilians shooting innocent strangers or ideological zealots seeking political destabilization, mass violence — and the amped up police presence in public places and travel settings they inspire — collectively conspire to elevate our anxiety and stress levels. So too, do chilling airplane catastrophes that defy explanation.
[See: 8 Ways to Relax Now.]
Under the circumstances, it would be surprising if we didn’t feel upset.
Although the perpetrators of these violent attacks may vary in their motivations (from terrorism to mental illness to grudges), they all affect the public’s psyche the same. As a population of innocent bystanders, we’re experiencing a state of heightened arousal, worry and fear, and a sense of unease and insecurity.
This may seem contradictory to the popular notion that we have become desensitized to violence because it has become so commonplace. While that’s true to some extent, we tend to only be desensitized to violence that doesn’t personally affect us and that fits conventional motivations, such as gang violence, crimes of passion, revenge killings and armed robberies. We’ve also grown more accustomed to violence in movies, on television and in video games. But we still have strong reactions to horrific massacres of innocent people, such as those in airports, schools or shopping malls, who are simply going about their daily lives and have no relationship to the attacker or attackers.
Still, some of us are more psychologically vulnerable than others. For instance, if you’ve already experienced or are genetically vulnerable to a mental disorder, such as depression, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder or addiction, the current conditions can increase your risk of experiencing the onset, recurrence or worsening of symptoms. As warnings continue to blare, I wouldn’t be surprised to see more people seeking treatment in emergency rooms and from mental health care specialists.
[See: How to Find the Best Mental Health Professional for You.]
But even if you don’t have a history of mental illness or aren’t at high risk for a mental disorder, you may be feeling the emotional effects of mass violence. People who are worriers and risk-averse by nature, as well as those who are “Type A,” “tightly wound” and “nervous,” may also find themselves becoming more fearful, apprehensive and emotionally distressed; they may even be unable to sleep and have trouble functioning.
I saw the impact of these events the week following the November 2015 Paris attacks, when I flew to Berlin to attend a scientific meeting. The plane was only half full on a route that is typically sold out. Lucky for me, I was upgraded to a suite in my hotel due to low occupancy — undoubtedly linked to the rise in cancellations by European tourists following the attacks.
Those of us who are more resilient and like taking risks tend to be less affected by mass violence, unless the incidents strike close to home. But while not everyone is equally vulnerable, no one is immune. Everyone, sooner or later, will manifest symptoms if they’re repeatedly exposed to emotional stress, particularly if it is unpredictable and outside of his or her control. How and when people react depends on a combination of individual susceptibility, proximity to and magnitude of the traumatic event. Extensive scientific research has demonstrated that unpredictable and uncontrollable stress has pernicious effects, beginning with altered emotions and behavior, and eventually impairing health and longevity.
Violent attacks will undoubtedly continue, so we must recognize it for what it is — the new normal. This was the case in England during the worst of the IRA-led insurrection, and the conditions that the state of Israel must constantly endure. Just as air pollution, cigarette smoking and the Zika virus are recognized as threats to public health, so should the psychological effects of mass violence and terrorism.
Obviously, the best approach to dealing with this growing public health problem is to eliminate its cause. While our government has enacted laws to improve air quality and limit smoking, and is actively trying to weed out terrorism, we also need to care more effectively for people with mental illness. This could include enacting a public health strategy to better equip first responders in mental health first aid, providing screening for signs of stress and mental illness, and training primary health care providers and other personnel in stress management techniques. Our leaders should use the media to provide reassurance and support to the public, not to scare them — much like Winston Churchill did in the dark days of World War II and President Roosevelt did during his “Fireside Chats.”
You can also take steps to reduce anxiety incited by mass violence. First, it’s important to acknowledge the elevated stress level of the current environment and take special steps to neutralize it, such as engaging in regular exercise, practicing mindfulness meditation, getting sufficient rest and following good sleep hygiene techniques. You should also keep tabs on your use of alcohol or recreational intoxicants, which you may be using unhealthily — consciously or not — to cope with stress.
[See: 7 Health Risks of Binge Drinking You Can’t Ignore.]
With no signs of the threat of mass violence abating, we would be wise to take steps to manage the stress of living under these conditions now — before their cumulative effects begin to take their toll and it’s too late. Until we do, this summer Americans must make the tough choice of staying home or stressing over whether and where it is safe to go on vacation.
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Is Fear of Mass Violence Cramping Your Travel Plans? originally appeared on usnews.com
