I know I can say that
we are in a cumulative shock over the events in Boston that took place on April
15 at the finish line of the Boston Marathon. I have an ongoing love
affair with Boston, and count it as my second city. My sister Jenn and
her husband Brent live in Cambridge, and my daughters Jess and Julia both
received their undergrad degrees there. I've made many friends in
Boston. I have spent countless hours on the Amtrak, driving 90, walking
the town, on the T, and visiting the many wonderful places that Boston and
Cambridge have to offer.
The JED Foundation
posted a good resource from for all
of us.
If you or a loved one
is having trouble coping with the tragedy in Boston, feel free to visit http://www.halfofus.com/pages/?ID=6313http://www.halfofus.com/pages/?ID=6313
We are lucky; our
family and friends are all okay and in one piece. Let's reach out to
everyone we love today and let them know that we are with them, that we care,
no matter where they are.
Here are some
suggestions from the JED/MTV Love Is Louder site:
Don't
hold it in.
It's normal to feel sadness, anxiety, fear, anger or a mix of those emotions, in the aftermath of a tragedy or disaster. It's important not to hold it all in. Talk to a friend, family member or a counselor. If you don't have anyone you feel comfortable talking to, call 1-800-273-TALK for a confidential chat with someone who can help.
It's normal to feel sadness, anxiety, fear, anger or a mix of those emotions, in the aftermath of a tragedy or disaster. It's important not to hold it all in. Talk to a friend, family member or a counselor. If you don't have anyone you feel comfortable talking to, call 1-800-273-TALK for a confidential chat with someone who can help.
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Turn it
off.
24 hours a day, 7 days a week – news of tragedy and details of its impact come at us from every angle. Sometimes you need to flip off your tv, computer or phone, and focus on something else. When you do follow the news, stick to reliable sources and avoid rumors or speculation.
24 hours a day, 7 days a week – news of tragedy and details of its impact come at us from every angle. Sometimes you need to flip off your tv, computer or phone, and focus on something else. When you do follow the news, stick to reliable sources and avoid rumors or speculation.
________________________________________
Get up
and get out.
Tragedies like this can weigh so heavily on us that it makes it hard to move. The simple act of taking a walk, hitting the gym, running some errands or playing a board game with friends, can help us cope with tough feelings and feel better. When we feel overwhelmed by an act of hate, it can help to do something good to help others. Volunteer in your community, do a favor for a friend or get involved with efforts to support Boston at loveislouder.com.
Tragedies like this can weigh so heavily on us that it makes it hard to move. The simple act of taking a walk, hitting the gym, running some errands or playing a board game with friends, can help us cope with tough feelings and feel better. When we feel overwhelmed by an act of hate, it can help to do something good to help others. Volunteer in your community, do a favor for a friend or get involved with efforts to support Boston at loveislouder.com.
________________________________________
Look
out for friends.
If you notice a friend or family member is having a hard time dealing with news about a tragedy, reach out and offer support. Look out for warning signs that they are feeling hopeless. These could include not wanting to see other people, not sleeping or sleeping all the time, increased use of drugs or alcohol, or talking about death or dying. It is natural for people near a tragedy to feel anxious and have some difficulty concentrating or sleeping for a short while. These feelings should get better in a few days (or weeks for those very closely impacted). If they are not improving, seek help for yourself or a friend. Get more tips on helping a friend here.
If you notice a friend or family member is having a hard time dealing with news about a tragedy, reach out and offer support. Look out for warning signs that they are feeling hopeless. These could include not wanting to see other people, not sleeping or sleeping all the time, increased use of drugs or alcohol, or talking about death or dying. It is natural for people near a tragedy to feel anxious and have some difficulty concentrating or sleeping for a short while. These feelings should get better in a few days (or weeks for those very closely impacted). If they are not improving, seek help for yourself or a friend. Get more tips on helping a friend here.
________________________________________
Turn
feelings into action.
It's so easy to be overcome with sadness, anger or anxiety after acts of violence that cause pain for so many people. It’s healthy to express those feelings, but we can also choose to turn them into positive action. Neglecting your own physical or emotional health could make things worse.
It's so easy to be overcome with sadness, anger or anxiety after acts of violence that cause pain for so many people. It’s healthy to express those feelings, but we can also choose to turn them into positive action. Neglecting your own physical or emotional health could make things worse.
Mary Beth, I may be on the other side of the world but we are all affected by the events at the Boston Marathon - so random, so horrible. Thinking of all my friends in the US today.
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