A terror attack is devastating for victims’ families and survivors. Life may never be the same after losing a loved one, experiencing a debilitating injury, or dealing with emotional trauma. Thousands of families went through similar experiences during the 9/11 terror attacks, but many were resilient enough to start afresh. However, rebuilding a home and family after such a disaster is not easy, even for the most resilient people. It takes a lot of courage and strength to regain control and build from scratch. But the truth is that you can achieve it, no matter how challenging the journey seems. Here are a few proven tips to start afresh after a terror attack.
Focus on recovery
Your first step after getting through a terror attack should be to focus on recovery. Assess the extent of damage, and do not overlook the emotional impact because it is often more serious. You may not have severe injuries, but mental health issues such as PTSD, depression, and insomnia can make life challenging. Losing a loved one is even more daunting because dealing with grief is the hardest thing to do. Your kids may be the worst affected, so you must pay extra attention to their health. Get proper medical treatment for your injuries, and see a family therapist to cope with the emotional implications of the event.
Resume daily activities
Resuming daily activities and routines brings a sense of normalcy. Your family gets a sense of emotional security even after losing a part of their life during the terror attack. Start small by restoring routines such as watching television, family walks, dinner table conversations, and bedtime stories. Such activities help in putting the pieces of your daily life back together bit by bit. It is even more crucial if you have young children because they feel safe even after facing the most daunting time. Also, make space and time for grieving if a loved one is no longer around.
Never give up on justice
Seeking justice is a form of recovery for terror attack survivors. The families of victims deserve it even more because they lose a precious part of their existence. Although you may not be in a position to find the culprit and ensure they are punished, you can seek compensation for your losses. For example, 9/11 victims and survivors can collaborate with 9/11 compensation lawyers to claim damages under the Zadroga Act. The financial compensation may not bring your loved one back or reduce your suffering, but it can definitely get your life back on track. You can use the money for medical treatment and long-term financial security. Moreover, getting fair compensation gives you peace of mind.
Support your clan
Rebuilding your life after a terror attack is not about coping with your emotions and personal struggle. It is also about supporting your clan because your loved ones share your pain, specifically if you lose a family member in the event. Provide comfort by being there for them, spend quality time together, and find ways to deal with the pain cohesively. It is the best way to make a joint effort toward emotional recovery. You can resume normalcy sooner than later when everyone in your family works toward a common goal. Moreover, the effort makes you stronger as a unit.
Consider a change
Life may never be the same after losing a loved one in a terror attack. Even a survivor may become a different person after going through a devastating experience. You can consider a major change, such as moving to a new house or relocating to another city, as a coping strategy. A change gives you the opportunity to leave the past behind and make a fresh start. You may find yourself in a better place emotionally by leaving your traumatic past behind. Bring up the idea and discuss it with your family because it should be a joint decision. Your loved ones will probably agree with the idea if you have valid arguments.
Rebuilding your home and family should be your top priority after a terror attack, whether you are a survivor or have lost a loved one in the event. But keep your expectations realistic because getting through a disaster is never easy. Beyond the physical impact, your family has to deal with emotional trauma. Dealing with it is the most challenging part, but a strategic approach can give you a good start. Follow these tips to give yourself a chance to resume normalcy after a terror attack.
