[doggiedo]

I live right outside the city and was deeply affected by the explosions. I was not there myself, but I did participate in the Jimmy Fund Boston Marathon walk two years ago. I was there, and celebrated at the same site/finish line where the explosions went off.

Not to mention I have a close friend who was working on the medical sweep team at the end of the finish line. He was there until 7pm helping.

It's unreal. I can't stop looking at the horrific pictures online. I mean, I was 20 and in college when 9/11 happened, which was unfathomable. Idk why this is hitting me even harder, maybe bc it's right next door, practically?

Is like I want to look at the pictures to see if there is a blown off leg, etc, How sick is that? I'm embarrassed to even admit it! I'm so ashamed. I even got to work today (I work at a college, which is another venue that has the high potential for shootings, by the near fact it's a college) and all I could do was go online. I feel like life is just so sad sometimes. It's horrifying. I even cry every now and then, and I don't even know anyone who was directly affected.

I woke up last night for a few minutes and forgot, for one split second, and then I woke up this morning and remembered. I don't even know how to process things..

[unaluna]

My t grew up in the back bay area, he said they used to go watch the marathon every year. I live in a university town, I felt suspicious walking around today, graduation is coming up, street fairs, etc. I told my t I was glad my dad isn't alive to see all this. It would be too sad for him.

ETA: I know what you mean about waking up and remembering. It took me 3 days when Princess Diana died before I didn't wake up in the morning with it on my mind.

[LovelaceF]

I don't know what the answer is. This event is extremely disturbing to me, especially since it seems that the goal was maximum damage to innocent people. The Olympic stadium bombings in Atlanta were similar but this is worse. I've had lots of traumas in my life and the only thing that seems to help me is the attitude that I don't want to let the bad guys win. Therefore, I refuse to live in fear because that will only contribute to my continued harm, which is the terrorist's goal.

[Thunder Bow]

The news media will repeat and drag this story out forever to boost ratings. Anxiety sells! Do not buy into it, it will only make you feel worse. Beware of danger and events but don't OCD on them.

[Silent Void]

I confess I'm at a loss to understand how it is people can be emotionally affected by an event that has nothing to do with them.

[roads]

After the public's shock and initial journalistic reporting is over, it seems to me that most of what the media tries to capture us with is hype and mania--produced from fantasy, factoids, fractured facts ... Doesn't matter, as long as we don't change the dial.

I wonder how many journalists worry about reporting "hard, true fact" if they can just be sure of the ratings. I don't believe any of it ... till I've heard it six times from eight sources over three days. Then I flip a coin.

Of course we need meds.

[LovelaceF]

Originally Posted by Silent Void

I confess I'm at a loss to understand how it is people can be emotionally affected by an event that has nothing to do with them.

I take it you're not one to cry at the cinema, eh?

[unaluna]

Originally Posted by Silent Void

I confess I'm at a loss to understand how it is people can be emotionally affected by an event that has nothing to do with them.

No man is an island...

But why the assumption it has nothing to do with whoever? They say it is a mark of genius to make a connection between things where no connection existed before.

[doggiedo]

Bc I had friends and family members who were here and scared for their lives. That how it affects me even tho I wasn't there at that moment in time. Also, I did the marathon before so it does hit home to me.

[sabby]

It matters not that a person is not there in the middle of the situation in order for them to "feel" something about it. It's called compassion, the ability to put ourselves in a situation and have an idea of how we might feel. It's empathy and caring as well. It's the human experience and I do understand that some folks are unable to connect to it.

(((((( doggiedo )))))) I'm sorry that you are having difficulties with this situation. I understand why it's hitting you so hard. I have nothing at all to do with it and I, too, am feeling the usual emotions from shock to anger, compassion and caring about those injured and lost and their families and friends.

This is not just a Boston problem. This is an American problem and all of America and then some feel the emotions that something like this can cause. I agree with another poster that commented to not let yourself get caught up in the hype that is now going on about it. Turn off the tv, stay away from the news sites and only allow yourself maybe an hour of updates per day in order to get your information. It's such a fluid situation and things change bit by bit not to mention the miss-information that is being reported. Maybe you can find something else to keep you busy and grounded so that you are not hyper vigilant about watching it 24/7.

[Silent Void]

Originally Posted by hankster

No man is an island...

But why the assumption it has nothing to do with whoever? They say it is a mark of genius to make a connection between things where no connection existed before.

It's also a sign of mental illness, so I should be kind.

[-jimi-]

What I don't get is how it is compassion to feel for people you don't know... but somehow it only applies to within the borders of the nation? Yea, I do find the world very confusing sometimes.

[hopefortoday]

Originally Posted by Silent Void

I confess I'm at a loss to understand how it is people can be emotionally affected by an event that has nothing to do with them.

Originally Posted by LovelaceF

I take it you're not one to cry at the cinema, eh?

lovelace a lot of films are designed to make you emotional. an act of terrorism is not designed to be emotional.

i realise that some people will be fearful, and fear is an emotion, and perhaps in extreme cases crying, or incontinence might happen.

and now a story about one of the few times that my depression has ever appeared (to me) to come in handy. i had/have a deadened emotional response (for want of a better term) from depression, but did not know that consciously in my past. there were times in my past that i should have been fearful, but i was not. i could actually function in life or death situations, concerning myself or others. strange but true.

it took me years to realise why i appeared brave or fearless, to others. i had a deadened emotional response to myself, for myself. and i now don't like the people, the environment, that did that to me. this is getting into a bad area, so i'll stop.

silent void might well be emotionally deadened, if so try not to ridicule it, as it will probably pass.

[Silent Void]

I am dead. Murdered as a child.

[Gnarp]

Sometimes these things hit you harder when you're depressed. Don't watch the news too much when you feel like that.
That being said, I don't get all the fuss. Millions upon millions died in Congo but you barely hear anything about it, now that's shocking.