# How to recover from horror

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-recover-from-horror/81050>\
**Category:** Great Debates\
**Created:** [September 12, 2001, 11:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-recover-from-horror/81050 "2001-09-12T11:01:19Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![HairyPotter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/3ab097/32.png) [@HairyPotter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HairyPotter)\
**Post date:** [September 12, 2001, 11:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-recover-from-horror/81050/1 "2001-09-12T11:01:19Z")

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I would appreciate insights regarding how to recover from the horror of the recent terrorist attacks in the U.S. How does one effectively abate the feelings of horror and refulsion and move toward a mental state of healthy understanding?

I realize that the above are hopelessly general questions that don’t “fit” the normal GD format of debating controversial issues. However, I’m desparate for help by intelligent, insightful people to work through the terrible feelings I am experiencing.

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**Author:** ![Earthworm\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/f07891/32.png) [@Earthworm\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earthworm_Jim)\
**Post date:** [September 12, 2001, 1:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-recover-from-horror/81050/2 "2001-09-12T13:28:55Z")

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Hairy, my friend, the answer is different for everyone. I think it’s safe to say that most of us cope by doing what we can to help. Our horror and revulsion are channeled into an intense need to assist where we can. Witness the long lines of people to donate blood, Guilianni saying they had more volunteers than they knew what to do with, the outpouring here and elsewhere of prayer, thought, and mourning. Witness the disappearance of partisanship in the spontaneous outbreak of God Bless America on the steps of the Capitol.

My advice to you would be: Do what you can. Donate blood, donate money. Go to work and keep America strong. Allow your “quiet, unyielding anger” to find constructive expression in a resolve to keep America the greatest, most free nation on earth.

Hope this helps

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**Author:** ![Mandelstam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/47e85d/32.png) [@Mandelstam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mandelstam)\
**Post date:** [September 12, 2001, 1:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-recover-from-horror/81050/3 "2001-09-12T13:41:26Z")

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**Hairy** , only time will abate you feelings, which are normal under the circumstances. I think **Beelz** has made some very good suggestions, but I’d also say talk to your family and/or friends. Preferably in person if it’s possible. There is nothing like the touch of another human being, even a sympathetic stranger, to soothe feelings of shock and horror and to restore faith in humanity. If I could I’d give you a hug right now but I can’t so go out and find someone who can. Sad 🙂