Have you ever been the victim of a terror attack? Or have you ever been a witness to a terror attack? This trauma is one of the most difficult from which to recover. There is great fear:

 

The terrorist meant to murder you. There is the feeling of helplessness. Often there are thoughts of what you might have done to prevent the attack. Frequently there are disturbances of sleep, of appetite, moods, memory and concentration, behavior, relationships, and functioning in school or on the job. 

 

The terror attack trauma usually causes intense anxiety including:

        -   A need to avoid thinking about the event;

        -   A need to avoid going anywhere that might remind one of the event;

        -   A need to avoid talking about it.

 

Avoidance begins to rule your life. And any deviation from this avoidance causes you great anxiety. And flashbacks make you feel as if you are reliving the experience.

 

There are treatments for this type of trauma. Beginning treatment as soon as possible after the event lessens your suffering and may prevent post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The treatments are usually effective when begun soon after the traumatic event. Treatment begun long after the traumatic event may also be effective but usually requires more time.

 

​​​​​​​My treatment model for terror attack trauma:

        -   Eye movement programming;

        -   Prolonged exposure to the traumatic events, by repeatedly telling the story;

        -   Guided imagery;

        -   Relaxation;

        -   Aerobic exercise several times a week;

        -   Consulting with a dietitian to reduce consuming foods than increase anxiety;

        -   Meditation or yoga or other activity that relaxes both the body and the mind;

        -   ​​​​​​​Learning to allow oneself to feel feelings and to express them.