London Bombings - July 7, 2005
Along with everyone in the country, Networkers were affected by the bombings in London on 7 July 2005.
The Network provided a means of support and advice on dealing with reactivated fears and memories.
Thanks for your advice re the bombings in London. I have had lots of emails and phone calls from friends concerned about how I would take the news, which has been a help in itself.
I certainly found the most difficult images to watch were those of people with faces covered in soot and blood, looking confused. I know what they will be going through in the coming weeks and hope they will all get the help and support they need.
I didn't watch much coverage though and found the radio reports easier. One thing I have been experiencing - probably another facet of survivor guilt. The whole Blitz spirit has come out and I keep hearing the phrases about life carrying on as usual and not letting this beat them. So I think - why can't I carry on as usual? Am I morally wrong because I have let it beat me in that I still have a fear of using some forms of transport ? Any thoughts?
Liz Capewell wrote:
The Blitz spirit concept was a necessary piece of propaganda to keep up morale in the war. Of course it was there, but so too was plenty of suffering, the depth of which had to be put under wraps because it could not be handled at the time.
Scientific knowledge about the impact of trauma was known then, but so much more is known now that squashes the view held by some in the 19th century that it was a moral issue only affecting the weak. When strong officers in WW1 succombed, views had to change but its amazing how these ideas linger in the public mind.
What is dangerous is when people (and expecially institutions) use the Blitz spirit to deny the very real experience of people who like you have looked into the face of death. It means they don't have to bother about you or pay for services to help.