In the aftermath of the events of September 11, there was a wave of shock and grief, even among those who had not directly lost a loved one. The recent anthrax incidents may have renewed feelings of helplessness and anger. Those with traumatic or abusive episodes in their personal past, or those with recent deaths that they mourn, may feel this more acutely. It may be useful for everyone to look over the literature on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, to see if they (or those close to them) are showing signs of reactions to these events that are not diminishing with the passage of time.

Cat Chapin-Bishop MSW, LICMSW, a psychotherapist specializing in trauma counselling, writes:

"Some trauma and bereavement symptoms are more worrisome than others. The help of a group for other survivors, or of a professional therapist trained in bereavement or trauma counseling can be a great help, and the good news is that most critical incident counseling can be brief and still be very effective. Most counseling for these issues need not be long term, though some will find that a return for counseling on anniversary dates or holidays is important for some years to come..."

"Signs that someone might need specialized help in resolving their trauma include:

Increased use of drugs or alcohol. Sleep disturbances that last longer than 2-4 weeks. Panic attacks without clear triggers, or that interfere with the ability to leave your home. Flashbacks that interfere with daily routines, particularly beyond the first 2-4 weeks. Estrangement from friends and family; feeling alienated and isolated from most previously close relationships. (Some changes in relationships and closeness are normal after a disaster—long-lasting, severe, or global changes in all relationships are signs of trouble.) Feeling numb, unreal, or noticeably without emotions (good or bad) beyond the first 2-4 weeks. Any suicidal urges or attempts. In addition, anyone with a known history of trauma or recent bereavement should probably consider checking in with a therapist for at least a brief "booster shot" of counseling if they are not currently seeing a therapist, and should make a point of discussing their responses to the disaster in counseling if they do have a therapist already."

For those who feel they may need short or long-term counselling and do not currently have a therapist, their health care providers or county mental health services will be able to supply referrals.

Some websites on PTSD and other reactions to this national tragedy:

American Red Cross Disaster Services: "Why do I feel like this?" http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/keepsafe/terror.html

National Center for PTSD: http://www.ncptsd.org/

American Counseling Association: "Responding to Tragedy" http://www.counseling.org/tragedy/tragedy.htm

National Institute of Mental Health: "Facts About Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder" http://www.nimh.nih.gov/anxiety/ptsdfacts.cfm

Beliefnet: "Helping Kids Through a National Crisis" http://www.beliefnet.com/frameset.asp?pageLoc=/story/87/story_8723_1.html&boardID=24374

-- Anonymous, October 16, 2001

Answers

Great post!

I'm doing okay if I leave the TV off and limit my news intake to 30 minutes or less a day. More than that and I start to dwell on "What Ifs," and then want to stash more preps. I admit that I have had the scanner on a lot more. There are "scares" that aren't making the headlines, but so far, they've all been hoaxes.

-- Anonymous, October 16, 2001

There are also a few very bright spots, such as increased open displays of patriotism [something that had recently been considered somewhat politically INcorrect]; the paradox of increased levels of stress, tension and turmoil mixed with clear attempts at "being nicer" to neighbors, friends - even strangers! Also, a whole lot more open discussions about current events - many folks seem almost desperate to "open up" and express themselves.

It's difficult to find such bright spots, but they ARE there, almost everywhere - as the first signs of Spring through the last of Winter's snows.

-- Anonymous, October 17, 2001

I finf it hard to concentrate on world affairs when I cannot even live in my own house. So I cannot say for sure if what I am feeling is because of the house or because of the war on terrorism.

My sleep is getting back to normal for my work schedule after two weeks of interruption. Stress at work is higher because of the dangers and threat of infection due to managements inability to see the white elephant on the workfloor. [in our case it is a big purple dinosaur named Barney]

Stress at work might not be so bad if we were living in our house, but I can't tell and don't want to delve to deeply into that now. I'm off tonight and I am looking forward to another episode of Enterprise.

-- Anonymous, October 17, 2001