Psychologist gives advice to people feeling anxious after the London Bridge terror attack – from planning your escape strategy to talking openly with your kids
THE terror rampage on London Bridge marks the third deadly attack on British soil in as many months.
Just last night seven people were killed when a van ploughed into pedestrians on the bridge before three men knifed people in nearby Borough Market.
And with many feeling shaken in the wake of the latest attack, psychologist Emma Kenny says it's normal to feel anxious - but that you may need to seek help if it's dramatically affecting your day-to-day life.
She told the Sun Online: "It's understandable people are frightened, and OK to feel anxious in the immediate aftermath of things like this. It can provoke an emotional reaction.
"It can make us vulnerable and want to hibernate away, just like an animal licking its wounds.
"Parents can especially feel vulnerable if they feel they can't protect their children or the situation is not in their control."
But she says that if these feelings of being anxious or frightened to leave the house persist, there are ways you can try to reassure yourself.
MOST READ IN LIVING
Emma explained: "For most people, after a few days their emotions will return to normal.
"But one of the ways you can reassure yourself if you are wary of going out is having a practical plan of what to do in a terror attack.
"Look at the government and police advice and talk to your family about forming a strategy.
"I've talked to my husband and children about this and we know exactly what we will do in that situation.
"Being prepared can make you less panicky and when you are less panicky you are less anxious.
"Also, talking openly about these terror attacks with your children can put their minds at rest and give them a plan.
"If you know they know what to do it can put you at ease."
And Emma added that even though its hard to process when terror feels so close to home, it is important to remember attacks are rare.
She said: "I know it's flippant to say it but the chances of you being caught up in a terror attack is really rare.
"You're more likely to be a survivor of an attack than a victim of one.
"If you still feel like in a few days time that you don't want to do stuff like take the kids to park, or go to the cinema or local shopping centre, it's really worth speaking to your GP.
"Or contact the MIND helpline who are excellent and they can really help."
We've also brought you advice on what you can tell your kids if they are feeling anxious about terrorism.