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Crisis > Help After Disaster

Coping With Troubled Times

In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11th, people responded with powerful feelings of shock, grief and anger. As days passed, we were urged to return to our routines, and a new sense of normalcy began to evolve.

However, as we continue to be warned of new threats and face disasters - both those we can identify and those we can only imagine - a new level of uneasiness affects many individuals.

The following suggestions are offered to help manage the anxious feelings many are experiencing.

Powerful Emotions Are a Normal Reaction

First, it is important to recognize that experiencing powerful emotions is a normal reaction to these times. It is also normal to have feelings that are less intense and are more-or-less constant: to feel worried, jittery, irritable or “out-of-sorts”. People who have previously experienced trauma, depression or anxiety disorders may be especially vulnerable to recurrence or worsening of their symptoms.

Specific Suggestions

To help yourself through these times we suggest:

Use the resources and skills that have served you well in the past.
Stay connected with family and friends or seek connections through support groups in your community.
Make time for activities you enjoy and find relaxing - talking with friends, reading, listening to music, walking outdoors.
Take control of the situations where you can: For example, shutting off the television or cleaning a closet can help restore a sense of control over our days.
Avoid situations that make you anxious wherever possible.
Remember that humor relieves tension.
Take care of your physical health:
Exercise reduces stress.
Eat well. Do not rely on junk food or alcohol to reduce stress.
Be careful - being preoccupied and distracted makes it likelier to have accidents.
Be informed of current news but do not watch or listen repetitively. Continuous monitoring of the news can magnify anxious feelings.
Seek professional help if depression and anxiety are not decreasing or if they interfere with your ability to do what you usually do.

Other Resources

Within this web site you may find these sections especially helpful. They also contain links to other resources on the internet.

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