Seeing our country go to war can have different effects on different people, according to therapist Stan Garwood from Garwood and Associates in Clarkston.
“As far as adults are concerned I put them into two categories: those who know somebody who is over in the Middle East fighting and those who don’t,” Garwood said.
The therapist, who is a graduate of the University of Michigan, says individuals who have family or friends fighting the war usually have a higher level of anxiety and frustration.
“They tend to follow it more closely and try to gather as much information as they can,” Garwood said.
As far as those who do not know anybody in the war, they are also concerned about the loss of life. However they also worry about items like how the war effects the economy and in turn their jobs.
“They take a different approach. They see how this could effect them, like their company laying off individuals or how it affects our relationships with other countries,” Garwood said.
With the amount of all news cable stations, one could watch war coverage 24 hours a day for seven days a week if they wanted. Garwood believes some people should limit their time watching the war coverage, while others should gather as much information as they can. It depends on your personal make-up.
“There are some people who feel less anxious when they have a high amount of information, while for some people the more information they have the more anxious they are,” Garwood said.
One aspect of dealing with the war which Garwood believes is consistent is how to help children cope with the situation. Since it is virtually guaranteed that children will hear about the war, he feels it is important for parents to answer the questions in an honest manner.
He also believes parents should ask kids questions to help put their minds at ease.
“It is important to talk to them at the level they are at. Obviously high school students are going to ask more insightful questions than elementary school kids,” Garwood said. “When they are broadcasting death and destruction it can have serious effects on kids. It is important for parents to reassure their children and also give them honest answers.”
Garwood also believes the war can be an educational tool for older children.
Garwood and Associates have been located in Clarkston for 20 years, while Stan Garwood has been in the field for 35 years.