Well news programs seldom report good news, and some networks dwell on tragedies and war more than others. Their programming is not necessarily balanced. We know that sensationalizing draws more viewers. All this affects us, but we are the ones with the remote control and the choice to change the channel. Once you hear a news item, do you keep listening until it's repeated over and over? Or do you watch something else after you've heard it once?
The tragedies of Sept 11th were very sad, and I'm confident that everyone in North America and other continents examined their sense of vulnerability, just as you seem to be doing. And to a certain point we are watchful and careful. We have to come to some sense of resolution though and balance.
Although I don't live anywhere near a flight path, my brother and his family do, in another city close to a large major airport and right in its flight path. When I visit on occasion, I can't help but notice the deafening noise and can't help but give a thought to the danger, but he and his family take it in stride, merely pausing until the plane rises or descends overhead before resuming their conversation. At the start of my short visits, I usually pause to send prayers and good thoughts to the families of all air tragedies at that moment, as well as good wishes to the passengers for a safe flight. As more flights pass, I imagine them all going off on some enviable holiday. My brother's family says that they just tune it out. I did babysit the family for a week though, and by week's end, I too had tuned it out.
But you say you're really anxious about it. Have you taken the anxiety test? You say you haven't needed meds for a while. Are you perhaps thinking you may be at a point where it might be a good idea to take them again?
We're launching a new panic program just hours away now that will help you face your fears, Elaine.
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Anne-Marie, Site Administrator
