Managing the Stress of War and Terrorism: Guidelines for Families
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Managing the Stress of War and Terrorism: Guidelines for Families

   

Managing the Stress of War and Terrorism: Guidelines for Families1

Suzanna Smith2

The images we see on our televisions or in our papers every day can be frightening. The headlines about war and terrorism have become commonplace since the horrific scenes of September 11, 2001.

War and terrorism are scary for children and families. Children of all ages may overhear adult conversations or see the acts of war or terror on the news, and unfortunately, even in the classroom. These events may be unsettling and stressful for children and their families, making it hard to concentrate and go about daily routines. Stress for prolonged periods can either erode a family's health or the family can become resilient during these difficult times. Families can bounce back from adversity and become even stronger.

If a family is showing signs of stress, such as family members pulling apart from one another or getting too close, having frequent disagreements that aren't solved, or blaming one or two family members for problems, the family may need to stop and take stock of the situation and seek solutions. For example, listen to the children. Don't push aside their fears. Let them share their feelings. Cut down on stressful activities and find time to exercise. Regular exercise can reduce stress. Likewise, avoid alcohol and cigarettes. They can cloud your judgment and lower your energy. Think positive. Try to be optimistic about the future. Remember, families and the country have survived tough times before!

You may also consider seeking professional help. If you're overwhelmed, depressed, have thoughts of suicide, or suffer from substance abuse problems, find a professional you can talk to. Your doctor, clergy, or mental health association can help you find someone who is trained to help.

Listening, learning, and living together: it's the science of life. "Family Album" is a co-production of University of Florida IFAS Extension, the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences and of WUFT-FM. If you'd like to learn more, please visit our Web site at http://www.familyalbumradio.org .

To listen to the radio broadcast:

http://www.radiosource.net/radio_stories/war.mp3

http://www.radiosource.net/radio_stories/war.wav

Footnotes

1. This document is FAR0012, one of a series of the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. First published December 2007. In the interest of time or clarity, the broadcast version of this script may have been modified. Please visit the EDIS Web site at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu.

2. Suzanna Smith, associate professor, Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, University of Florida, and Senior Producer, Family Album Radio, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611. Reviewed by Donna Davis, Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, University of Florida.

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations. For more information on obtaining other extension publications, contact your county Cooperative Extension service.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A. & M. University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating. Larry Arrington, Dean.


Copyright Information

This document is copyrighted by the University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) for the people of the State of Florida. UF/IFAS retains all rights under all conventions, but permits free reproduction by all agents and offices of the Cooperative Extension Service and the people of the State of Florida. Permission is granted to others to use these materials in part or in full for educational purposes, provided that full credit is given to the UF/IFAS, citing the publication, its source, and date of publication.