Book Review: The Unthinkable
July 27th, 2010 | Posted in For Adults by susan
THE UNTHINKABLE by Amanda Ripley, reviewed by Susan Orenstein
This book will definitely make you think differently about how to survive a disaster. I picked up this book this Summer, and as I began reading, quickly realized that it was going to tackle tough topics that I usually try to avoid thinking about: plane crashes, terrorist attacks, motor vehicle accidents, fires and floods. Why read about these horrors? Amanda Ripley gives a compelling reason to examine these tragedies. If we analyze these events objectively, we can learn about the human factor involved. The author, who is a writer for Time Magazine, sorts out fact from fiction about natural and human-made disasters. Why do some people who experience these life -threatening events react poorly while others cope and survive?
Ms. Ripley believes that the government and the media have not been helpful in teaching us how to react to emergencies. Instead, they provide only partial information that often leads to confusion and increased anxiety. In addition, she posits that we no longer have tightly-knit local communities that can react positively in the face of impending threats.
She sifts through what common safety information is sensational and anxiety-provoking, and which is truly constructive in preparing for disaster. The suggestions have nothing to do with what we have heard from the media: it is not about buying canteens of water or placing tape on windows. Instead, Ripley suggests we prepare for disasters in a general sense by keeping ourselves physically and emotionally fit.
When we say “survival of the fittest”–what does that mean? We all know what it means to be physically fit: maintain a healthy weight, develop cardio fitness, with strength, agility and flexibility. And that makes sense. Of course, you’re more capable of handling situations when you have quick physical reflexes, physical strength and stamina to manage physical challenges.
But what does it mean to be emotionally fit for these situations? What mental and emotional state of mind can increase our odds of survival? One important element is the self-confidence factor, which includes a belief that what we do is important and that we are capable of making a difference. When we have confidence in our own ability to cope, we’re less likely to give up and more likely to actively find ways to persevere in the face of adversity.
Ripley also points out that being able to manage stress and keep anxiety in check is essential. In a crisis, runaway anxiety is destructive; it can get in the way of thinking clearly and identifying options. If you are prone to high anxiety, you aren’t doomed; you can train your mind and body to calm down.
In therapy, we work with clients to reduce their anxiety in various ways. For instance we teach clients mindfulness exercises including deep, intentional breathing. We also help clients identify triggers of their anxiety and stress. When anxiety is perpetuated by self-defeating beliefs and habits, we help our clients develop more adaptive, empowering beliefs to help them feel better. In addition, our clients often find a great deal of relief from their stress and anxiety by the help of our therapists, who actively problem-solve with clients, helping them discover creative solutions to perceived impasses.
We make sure not only to help clients build coping skills to relieve anxiety and overwhelming stress, but also to highlight new skills and patterns that clients are forming. In that way, clients can recognize and take credit for their treatment gains, and subsequently increase their self-confidence. So our clients finish therapy with more self respect and confidence in their own abilities, which will set them up for future success, as they’ll be more likely to persevere and bounce back from difficult times.
Knowledge is power and “The Unthinkable” imparts some very important knowledge for situations in which it is critical to have. I was pleasantly surprised to find myself feeling less fearful and actually reassured by this very informative book. I strongly recommend you read this book to make sure you have the coping skills you need to care for yourself and your loved ones when the “unthinkable” happens.
Tagged Adult Counseling, Family counseling