Fear Takes Flight
Experts Report More Annoyance Than Anxiety In the Wake of the Latest Terrorism Alerts

By Jennifer Huget
Special to The Washington Post
Tuesday, August 15, 2006; Page HE01

Washingtonians do not appear to be in a tailspin of fear over last week's revelation of an alleged terrorist threat aimed at airliners. One prominent District psychologist says he doesn't anticipate much trauma to result from the event. Alan J. Lipman, a clinical psychologist and director of the Center for the Study of Violence, says it's too early for observable reactions. Even after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, he said, fears and worries took some time -- up to two weeks -- to develop to the point where people sought help from a therapist.

(Charles Dharapak - AP)

Speaking of Anxiety
"This was another example of our law enforcement agencies being on the ball and warding off the
problem. But it still has the psychological effect of reinforcing the risk and reminding people that the risk is there, particularly for people who had a fear of flying to begin with. It's compounding the problem."
Peter S. Kanaris, psychologist in private practice on Long Island, N.Y.

"A little bit of fear is normal. A little bit of anxiety is normal. Even if you cancel a flight, say, this week,
I think that's okay, too. Avoiding it six months later, then there's an issue of severity."
Tamar Gordon, clinical psychologist at New York University Child Studies Center

"People who have illogical or unrealistic or disabling fears, unfortunately this may play into them.
[But] I think the majority of people find ways to keep going on with their life."
Robin F. Goodman, New York psychologist

"When you have to throw out things that people have a personal attachment to -- makeup, shampoo . . . you're throwing out a part of yourself. It's huge -- you're taking away a security blanket."
Kathleen Hall, director of the Stress Institute, Clarkesville, Ga.

Speaking of Kids
"I think the most important thing is that [kids] feel that their parents are in control. If you communicate to a child that they're safe, then they'll feel safe. So if you are yourself panicking, you probably don't want to share that with your child."
Tamar Gordon

"In airports, please make sure that you touch your child, because physical touch makes them feel secure. Every five to 10 minutes, look into their eyes because eye contact reassures a child. Say, 'I'm your mom. We're together. We're going to be okay.' Give them simple, accurate information. Never lie."
Kathleen Hall