Delayed Reactions To Tragedies
Some may wonder why another article related to the September eleventh bombings of the World Trade Center and the Pentagon may be in order. The reason for sharing this article, as a follow up to the one last month regarding expected reactions and some things we can do in response to those reactions, is that the effects of this trauma will linger. We all have the memory of this event almost burned into our memories. We will not be able to forget the event, how we came to know it, and what we saw of it.
There will be many who may never notice any particular response to terrorist attacks. Many will go on with life with few if any changes in their thoughts, beliefs, feelings or behaviors. But the crisis which we have all come through has left us to varying degrees with what might be called a stress disorder. Stress disorders are similar to the mental health condition known as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Traumatic stress is most often applied to people who survived the holocaust, the Viet Nam conflict, or sexual or physical abuse. But many of us have been through times in our lives which impacted us in some significant psychological, emotional and spiritual way. For some people several successive losses, of a loved one, a relationship a job, or similar event will have a profound impact that in some way traumatizes a person.
It is important to know that three weeks out from an event like the bombings is one point in time where mental health professionals expect that the initial reaction which as person has had to cope with the event begins to loosen up. Perhaps numbness or emotional paralysis turns into crying, fear of going to sleep, or anger experienced in greater frequency or intensity. This is one time to be alert to changes in your behavior and mood or those around you. The suggestions given in the previous article, such as talk to someone, go on with life as if normal, practice familiar rituals, become important. It may be for many of us that it is only this far out from the event that we notice something to pay attention to.
At the three month mark many people who find that perhaps their inner psychological, emotional, spiritual foundation was not as firm as they would otherwise have thought, will want to be aware of changes in themselves or loved ones at this point in time. Because reactions to trauma linger and never go away completely the three month point is for another group of people a time when their inner resources might become depleted and need a refill, if not major overhaul. Here again, staying in community, talking to people, paring down how much you follow the news and other games or programs about violence, find constructive ways to channel your anger and other emotions are all important things to do. All the way through this time, really for many years to come, the ministries of our houses of worship are vital.
All of us in some way will ask ultimate questions, of is the world a safe place, is there a God who cares? Where can I get support for my family and myself? The outreach of our religious fellowships to their members will provide support, reassurance, and the reliability that their faith is there for them for the long haul. Reminding ourselves of the history of our faith and the long-standing presence of God in the midst of trials and tribulations becomes and important word of hope. Stay connected, continue to practice your faith, use prayer scripture, liturgy as resources, and do not deny yourself the gift of speaking to your religious leader if you are not able to cope. As one pastor said in a sermon recently, a little boy was scared when he went to bed. The little boy went to see his parents who told him that he should not be scared because God was always with him. Yes, said the little boy, I know that but right now I need someone with skin. We all may need someone with skin.
This article first appeared in the Farmington Observer.
Dr. Paul Melrose
