9/11: A Year Later
A year later and again we are talking about the terrorist attack, which hit New York, Washington, DC and the plane crash in Pennsylvania. We know we were all traumatized in some way. What is also known is that significant events, which impact our lives, can also have an anniversary reaction. It would not be uncommon for one to in some way experience a behavior, thought or feeling that is in some way sparked by the first anniversary of this tragedy.
The reawakening of the tragedy, a sign of a reaction to the 9/11 tragedy, might occur as a person in some way re experiences that event, tries to avoid exposure to reminders of it, feels unable to relax, or is on the edge in some way, or may even be obsessed by the memory of it. For many persons, because the impact of the September tragedies was so great there could be even little wrinkles of any of these reactions. There could be tears, there could be more depressive or anxious thoughts or feelings, perhaps about the safety of loved ones. An anniversary reaction to a tragedy can reawaken thoughts or feelings which might have put to rest. The reawakened feelings could endure for a short or long time. Knowing that the unfamiliar sensations might possibly an anniversary reaction is one way to begin any number of strategies for how to help yourself through them.
Just to be clear, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, the psychological and emotional reaction experienced by victims of trauma, and those who have a post trauma reaction, can show up as an simply an increase in anxiety or depression, or in an more major way. There could be new or increased substance use or abuse, intense grief reactions, obsessions with death, experiencing survivors’ guilt, increased interpersonal conflict. Any of these symptoms, appearing differently in our own lifestyles, may be a clue that each one of us may have even a small reaction to this horrible event. Just to be clear, however, it is only a small percentage of the population that actually experiences a deep, or strong combination of these symptoms.
As you go through the next couple of weeks simply be aware of the possibility that you or a friend or a loved one could be jolted again in some way by the impact of the attacks. What you do about that will be unique and particular to yourself and your situation but there is any number of possibilities. Participating in an anniversary event may be important. Search your community activities or house of worship schedule for such possibilities. Spending time with family and loved ones more intentionally, to remind you of your presence and safety helps us all know that these events were not normal. Giving to some project helps to both get your mind off things but also strengthens connections which people, which get lost at the time of a traumatic event. One author even suggest looking for an opportunity to get to know people different from you and work in project for which help is needed there. I know one synagogue that brings meals on wheels to Christians during the Christmas holidays, Perhaps there are ways to get know people at a different church, temple, mosque or community agency.
Search out tapes and books with relaxation techniques if stress and tension seem to dominate. Don’t overlook exercise with others as a good source of self-care. Listen to a loved one tell you if they notice something different about you; likewise share your concerns with a friend if you notice them struggling in some way. In more extreme situations seek the services of a helping professional. Don’t let matters, which can be controlled, take over your life.
For this time what is needed for psychic health and peace is the reassurance that we are as safe as possible and that we are not alone. Find your community, and face life. Reach out to others in need; receive back what others can give to you. In an important way the more we know each other and trust each the stronger becomes our community and the safer we feel.
This article originally appeared in the Observer Eccentric Newspapers.
Dr. Paul Melrose
