When Media Coverage Makes You Anxious

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Media coverage of natural disasters, war, acts of terrorism, or other disturbing events often provides us with vital and helpful information. The media can keep us informed about what is happening and things we may need to do. It is also true, however, that too much media coverage of frightening events can make us and our children feel anxious. When you are a military family with a loved one deployed overseas, watching or listening to coverage of war and war-related events can be especially stressful. The following information can help you keep media coverage from adding to feelings of anxiety in both you and your children.

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Stress reactions to media coverage

Today, with live TV news, live radio from around the world, and instant news on the Internet, coverage of traumatic events comes streaming into our living rooms and onto our computer screens as never before. We witness frightening events in color and it can feel as if we are really there. Graphic and disturbing images and nonstop coverage of traumatic events can cause us to feel traumatized, even if we were not directly affected by the trauma or tragedy. Experts call this "vicarious trauma" or "secondary trauma." The signs of vicarious trauma include

• prolonged sadness and crying
• inability to concentrate
• nausea, headaches, and muscle aches
• fear and anxiety
• sleep problems
• distressing dreams
• a general sense of uneasiness
• isolation and withdrawing from others
• outbursts of anger
• depression
• irritability
• disorientation
• exacerbation of chronic medical conditions

The signs of vicarious trauma in children can also include

• daydreaming
• separation anxiety
• regressive behavior, such as bed-wetting
• not wanting to go to school

If you are experiencing symptoms like these or if media programming is making you feel anxious, take a break from the media coverage. Avoid reading news stories about the events or watching news or documentary programs on TV.

Talk with a professional if your symptoms persist. You can call Military OneSource at 1-800-342-9647 for help, including free face-to-face counseling sessions with a licensed professional.

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Resurfacing feelings of grief and anxiety

Some people may be especially affected by media coverage, including those who have experienced a loss and those who have experienced a natural disaster, war, catastrophe, or personal crisis. Traumatic events may trigger memories of past losses or events even if they happened many years ago, and may bring back images of previous traumas, nightmares, and feelings of grief, fear, and sadness. The following suggestions can help if you or someone you love is experiencing feelings of grief or anxiety that may be triggered by extensive media coverage of a traumatic event.

• Realize that graphic images and stories on TV can affect your mood and feelings. If you feel sad, overwhelmed, or more angry or irritable than usual, limit the amount of time you spend watching or listening to coverage of the traumatic events and spend extra time talking with friends, family, or a professional counselor. Do something that you find relaxing.
• Talk with someone you trust about the recent events and about past losses or experiences that may be affecting you now.
• If your work is affected, talk about your fears and concerns with a professional. Contact Military OneSource at 1-800-342-9647 or at www.militaryonesource.com for help.
• Try to keep to a regular pattern of eating and sleeping. This gives you the strength to cope with stress.
• Get as much exercise as possible. Many people find that exercise makes it easier to cope with painful emotions.
• Seek support from your faith community. During difficult periods many people find comfort and solace in their faith communities.

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Media coverage and children

Children who see repeated images of violence and trauma on TV or in newspapers may have continued fears about their own safety and that of their family. Children who have lost a pet, experienced a separation or divorce, or lost a friend or relative may be deeply affected. You can protect and support your child by doing the following:

• Limit exposure to news coverage of disturbing events. Closely monitor what your child is seeing on TV and reading in magazines and in the newspaper.
• Keep your child's age in mind and limit media coverage appropriately. What may be appropriate for a 15-year-old may not be appropriate for a 5-year-old.
• Be present if your child does watch TV coverage of disturbing events. If you decide that certain coverage is appropriate for your child to hear or watch, sit with your child while it is on. That way you can answer your child's questions and talk about concerns. It is important to be present even if your child is a teenager. Again, limit the amount of coverage your child watches.
• Spend extra time with your child.
• Keep to family routines.
• Plan a family outing or activity your child enjoys.
• Try as much as possible to be together during difficult times.

Your installation's support services

Depending on your service branch, your Fleet and Family Support Center, Marine Corps Community Services, Airman and Family Readiness Center, or Army Community Service Center can provide you with information and support about parenting and deployment-related issues

Military OneSource

This free 24-hour service, provided by the Department of Defense, is available to all active duty, Guard, and Reserve members and their families. Consultants provide information and make referrals on a wide range of issues. You can reach the program by telephone at 1-800-342-9647or through the Web site at www.militaryonesource.com.

Written with the help of Alexandra Mezey, LICSW. Ms. Mezey has a master's degree in Social Welfare, and completed post-graduate training in family therapy and advisement for Employee Assistance Professional certification. She has worked as a family therapist and an EAP counselor.

© 2001, 2006 Ceridian Corporation. All rights reserved.

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