Traumatized By The Horrific Images Of The Nice Bastille Day Truck Attack? Here's What You Should Do

Images of terror seem to be everywhere - accessible by everyone with television, newspapers, and more importantly, the Internet. Seeing these pictures and watching these videos ar enough to drive anyone crazy, or make everyone feel traumatized, no matter if the tragedies happened elsewhere. 

Terror attacks such as the one that just took place in Nice, France or the Orlando shooting, do not stay contained where they happen because news travels faster these days. Images and videos are not even censored anymore.

Being traumatized by watching these frightening scenarios unfold is very likely, no matter if you know someone directly involved or affected by the attacks, ABC News reported. 

The aftermath of the 9/11 attacks proved this. Resarchers found that 44% of Americans at the time suffered from one symptom of PTSD because of being exposed to constant coverage.

"Research has shown that deliberate violence creates longer-lasting mental health effects than natural disasters or accidents," according to researchers from the National Center for PTSD, part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. "The consequences for both individuals and the community are prolonged, and survivors often feel that injustice has been done to them. This can lead to anger, frustration, helplessness, fear, and a desire for revenge."

According to Robin Gurwich of Duke Univeresity, watching these tragedies can take a toll on anyone. Usually, there are signs involved, revealing that a person is affected in an extent affecting his or daily life already. Are we having a harder time focusing on work and getting things done, are we more short and irritable with others, including our children?" Gurwich said of the symptoms. "If we're noticing those things, it's time to take a step back for ourselves."
With Facebook, Twitter, and more social media networks now, the level of coverage is increased. No one can really hide from these images anymore.

According to Gurwich, people can still do something about this - to care about what is happening in the world and yet making sure they are not becoming dysfunctional because of it. 

"You can bear witness and do something. And taking a break from it, it doesn't mean you're uncaring," she said. "While we have different levels of what we can watch, everybody needs a break from it. Watching it nonstop is not helpful for anyone."

The best way though when feeling overwhelmed, is to access the resources made available through the American Psychological Association and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The world is full of negatives, but it is worth remembering the positives as well.