Trauma - Managing Mental Health Reactions to Major Disasters and Traumas

Trauma and the Media

Defence personnel and families should monitor the amount of information on a conflict or major disaster to which they are exposed, either on television, on the radio or in the newspapers. Psychologists found that after the Sep 11 terrorist attacks in New York, the worst affected individuals were those that watched extensive television footage repeatedly. Additionally, they found parents who allowed their children to watch large amounts of the continual coverage were more likely to become distressed.

It is import to know what is going on, but it is also OK to turn off the television for some relief. Make sure you put limits on the amount of media coverage you watch or read. It may also be worth trying to ensure that watching coverage on the TV or reading articles on the trauma in the paper is not the last activity you engage in before going to bed at night. Try to do something neutral or relaxing before bed. Your sleep is a very important ingredient in your physical and mental health.

23 September, 2008