During the next few days and weeks, you may experience some
of these reactions. They will vary in intensity and duration
with each individual. Though your thoughts, feelings, and
responses may be unsettling, it is important to recognize
them as natural and human. You may not be able to prevent
these reactions, but there are ways to help yourself and others.
Preoccupation with event:
Difficulty thinking about other things. This is our
way of trying to absorb the enormity of the event, little
by little, at a pace we can handle.
Being riveted to TV, radio, and web reports. This
is our way of trying to reestablish some sense of understanding
and control.
Trouble remembering. Our intellectual and emotional
energies are focused on dealing with the shock.
Guilt. We all cope in different ways. If you use humor
to cope, don’t feel guilty for not being “appropriately sober”
in all your responses. If you use activity to cope, don’t
feel guilty for not wanting to spend every moment trying to
listen the news. If you use keeping up with the news to cope,
don’t feel guilty for being “inappropriately morbid.” Each
response is understandable and helps us in different ways.
Common Feelings
Anxiety and fear
Numbness, withdrawal
Sadness
Distrust
Anger
Desire for revenge
Helplessness
Common Behaviors Wanting to spend time talking/being
with others. Protective of loved ones. Sleep disturbances.
To help yourself/others:
Talk with people. Conversation helps us feel less
isolated and anxious. It helps us “reality check” our reactions,
making us realize our feelings are normal. It also helps to
reestablish reasonable parameters for the feelings of vengeance
or fear that we may be experiencing.
Empower Be kind toward others and tolerant of ways
in which their coping needs may differ from yours.
Avoid real and symbolic violence. If you are feeling
overwhelmed by the television images of the Trade Center collapsing,
listen to the radio. Or avoid news sources altogether for
awhile. You can periodically ask others if there is any significant
new information you should know. Avoid entertainment with
violent themes or images.
Structure your time. Keep your life as normal as possible.
Help your children understand in ways that are not
overwhelming. For example, young children might need breaks
from the television imagery. You might reassure children that
it is okay for them to not know what to do. Remind them that
there are responsible and competent adults who are handling
this by each doing their specialized jobs. Emergency crews
are helping the victims and their families, investigators
are working to identify who is responsible, safety personnel
are working to prevent other incidents.
Take physical care. Eat nourishing food, try to get
enough sleep, do mild exercise. Don’t demand that your body
perform at high levels. Now may not be the time to adhere
to a rigorous new workout, an austere diet, or a taxing workday.
Spend time with friends. Do things you enjoy.
Do things that reaffirm your sense of community. Give
blood. Go to church. Join a memorial service. Donate to the
Red Cross. Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper.
