Two explosions ripped through the Boston Marathon Monday. I first learned about this tragedy as I was checking Facebook before I planned to go to bed. I saw an update on the news feed about the attack, and my stomach dropped. I started shouting for Chris, and we frantically began searching the web for any information. Minutes later, we were able to find live streaming video from NBC with Brian Williams. We stayed glued to it well past midnight here (6 p.m. EST).
Hitting too close to home
I don’t know why, but it seems tragedies like this hit me harder now than when I lived back home. Maybe it’s the feeling of helplessness being so far away. Maybe it’s not having other Americans close by to share in the sadness and sense of community. Maybe it’s the unanswerable questions I receive from non-Americans about why my country seems to be full of craziness. Whatever it is, it hurts.
Most of Monday night, I cried as I heard one story after another coming out of the crisis in Boston: a mother was hysterical as she was searching for her daughter at a local hospital; a runner couldn’t find his family who was waiting for him at the finish line; and one of the first photos showed blood and bandages strewn across Boylston Street.
Understanding the pain
We’re not robots, and no two people cope with tragedies in the same exact manner. There are the universal five stages of grief, but we even experience these at different times and show our emotions in varying ways.
While living abroad, we’ve dealt with two national crises and a few smaller emergencies back home. This is how we got through the difficult times.
1. Check in with friends and family
The silver lining of tragedies is they bring people together.
I have a few friends in Boston, so I immediately sent messages Monday evening to them to make sure they were alright. Thankfully, there were all ok. My family lives far from Boston, but I still wanted to talk them. Chris Skyped with his mom about what had taken place and how it was affecting people back home.
Being able to share thoughts and find comfort with those you trust and care for is a powerful balm.
2. Send support
When a crisis strikes and you’re thousands of miles away, you can still help.
With the advent of social media, people from across the globe are helping. From words of encouragement to sharing information, such as Google’s People Finder and the FBI’s request for photos or videos from the event, people are filling up social media platforms with support for Boston. People can also send also send contributions to reputable charities that are assisting in the aftermath of the explosions.
Though it may feel like you’re powerless being so far away, there are actions you can take to support the recovering efforts, which helps when it comes to dealing effectively with tragedy.
3. Find a healthy outlet
As people cope with tragedies differently, each person needs to find his own way of expressing feelings in a safe way.
While we were watching coverage of the explosions Monday evening, Chris put all his efforts into doing web searches and finding information. He focuses on tasks. I started writing this blog post and was on Skype ranting with my dad about the cowards who would hurt innocent people. I focus on words.
However you deal, find the way that allows you to release the most emotion without causing harm. We need to exert this energy before we can move on with the business of recovering.
4. Be safe
Sometimes national crises can have international repercussions.
I like to check the embassy or consulate website of where we currently are and the U.S. State Department website for any information on international effects when tragedy strikes. Our current location is also registered with the State Department, so we receive email alerts if anything in our region is a potential threat.
Being aware if a tragedy at home may be affecting you or your travel abroad can help prevent other emergencies.
As Chris and I watch the investigation unfold, our thoughts continue to be with the victims and all those affected by the Boston Marathon explosions. We hope swift justice comes to those responsible.
How do you cope with tragedy?
-Monica
photo credit: thestatusjoe via photopin cc
