By: Kelsey Wooten, LPC
Gun violence is trending in the US. (At the time this blog was written the number was 163.) It seems we can’t go a day without the news reporting on a shooting and hearing about those who were injured or died. This causes us to be worried about our own physical safety, causing anxiety and fear.
There have been more conversations in my office lately about clients feeling afraid to get into large crowds or having intrusive thoughts about the ‘what if’. From students in school to adults working in the service industry anxiety around safety has increased. While these thoughts are no longer considered irrational, the fear can become overwhelming and keep us from living our lives. Safety is a basic need on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs; as is food, water, shelter. When our basic needs aren’t met we cannot focus on improving ourselves, our relationships, or other psychological needs.
So here’s what I tell my clients:
First: Stop doom scrolling. Get the information you need to stay informed and safe, then turn it off. You’re not helping yourself by watching the same story or video over and over.
Second: Acknowledge the feelings that are coming up – fear, dread, concern, grief, anger ect. Notice where it is at in your body, and the thoughts that are coming up.
Third: Use your coping skills, such as mindful breathing/meditation, weighing the pros and cons of attending/going or staying home, weighing the probability of something happening, and challenging intrusive thoughts by replacing them with something positive or neutral.
Lastly: Have a safety plan. Let someone know where you are going, know where the exits are, limit substance use, use the buddy system, and the necessary contacts in your phone (campus safety, security, 911, emergency contacts).