Critical Awareness

Becoming aware of the affects the media has on your experience of terrorism in itself should help to lessen the psychological impacts. If we are able to stand back from our immediate reactions and observe ourselves consuming media coverage, we can begin to see how the media coverage itself makes us feel. We might be able to notice how the testimonies of witnesses to the incident or the reports of those who were killed or injured affect the way we feel. If we can observe journalists and broadcasters who work in the media in this way, we can begin to understand how they might be feel while they cover these incidents. Many networks will make time for ‘specialʼ news coverage that continues far outside of their normal broadcasting schedule. As people who work in the media endure longer and longer shifts bringing ‘rolling media coverageʼ of a terror incident it is small wonder that they become preoccupied and lose sight of life outside of the broadcast studio. As consumers of the news, we in turn are affected by the way media personnel feel about what they are reporting on.

Disengage

As the cartoon above suggests – turn the tv off, put your smartphone away, close your laptop, jump off your couch, and head outside!

How do I manage my Children’s thoughts and feelings?

Children have a limited understanding of the world and how dangerous or safe they should feel about it. Their limited cognitive development prevents them from being able to observe their own reactions to media portrayals of terror.

The Australian Psychological Society on their extensive page suggest that primary school-aged children will likely hear about terrorism from their peers, other adults, or through the media. The APS recommends parents check in with children about what they understand about the facts and gauge if they are affected by them. Parents are encouraged to reassure children of the safety of the world they live in and to feel comfortable in asking questions about terrorism if they come up. Parents of children younger than primary school-age are advised to limit exposure to media portrayals of terrorism or adult conversations they cannot understand.

Presumably aimed at parents of primary school-aged children and older, a British children’s bereavement charity called Winston’s Wish put out statements following both the Westminster attack and the recent London Bridge/Borough Market attacks.

Seek help

If you or someone close to you feels triggered by media portrayals of terror you can contact the usual channels of assistance such as your GP, mental health assistance lines, or your usual therapist.

Mental Health Access Line : 1800 011 511
Beyond Blue : 1300 22 4636
LifeLine: 13 11 14

Chris Ishizuka is a social worker and psychotherapist and has worked with people experiencing crisis and complex mental health problems.
Chris is available for appointments by contacting Therapeutic Axis on 02 9692 9788.