Even though we’re thousands of miles away from Paris, many of us still feel a sense of pain, loss and fear after the horrible violence that occurred a few days ago. Watching coverage of the events and the people who lost their lives, some of us begin to remember other, similar tragedies:
- 911
- Columbine
- Sandy Hook
- Aurora
The memories and constant news coverage of the event can start to have a real effect on our mood – even if we weren’t personally affected or involved.
The American Psychological Association offers several tips for coping with tragedies and mass shootings. My go to? Turn off the TV, internet, social media on a regular basis. Information is good, but emotional overload can happen quickly. For more tips check out APA.