Terror

        "In the world there are always events that bring terror. These events may be on a massive scale or on a smaller, individual scale. So why then should we discuss a state of mind that you may never experience? It is because the possibility of extreme fear is deep within all of us. Fortunately, there are few times when the experience of terror is felt, but we should be aware of its potential as fear unravels and leads to a more intense emotional state.

        During earthquakes and other natural disasters, there is a wide range of reactive emotions and no one can know what expressions will take place until they are experienced. Just as we avoid a danger spot, we can avoid certain emotional states if we become aware of them. Terror comes with danger and lack of control. It is like a wild, run-away horse who, having been frightened, runs without control and without thought. Seldom do you have the word terror used and even more rarely do you hear the subject discussed. If there has been a particular intense event, we empathize with the person involved and can imagine the experience. It is not until extreme fear is expressed within ourselves that we can understand the depth that fear can go.

        The things that most cause terror are life threatening events and things that are not within our control. It is not necessary to try to look at all kinds of possible terrors or even to try to imagine how one would act. It is a chance to better understand one's self if there is a realization that being 'out of control' of a situation can be disturbing, but does not necessarily have to lead to terror. Fear is a part of one's makeup as a survival mechanism. If one was without fear, walking in front of heavy traffic or taking life threatening risks would be more common. For most, there is an inner sensing when one is at risk and fear is often the signal, so what is necessary in life to some degree can get out of hand if allowed to just run free. Knowing this, knowing what makes one fearful, can help to build confidence in being prepared to handle fear, having a 'knowing' of your expected reactions. Then when this sense of fear seems to build, when we see that it is beginning to run out of control, we can pull on the reins and try to control our emotions.

        In emergency situations, doing what can be done is all that can be expected. Keeping busy can help to balance the emotions. Reassuring others who may already be losing control is also helpful. Talking and reasoning with one's self is also helpful - that is if you listen to yourself. Once you scan your fears and see what is most fearsome to yourself, you will see that terror can be more easily handled. Look within for strength."