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Traumatic events can trigger unwanted memories and mental distress
in people who have previously lived through times of crisis. This is
particularly true for veterans and older adults. As the war in Iraq
and the threat of terrorism here at home continue, your stress levels
may increase as well as your feelings of anxiety and apprehension.
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Coping
with Disaster resources
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Older adults have proven time and again their ability to survive crises
-- from the Great Depression and World War II, to the Korean Conflict and
the Vietnam War, to social unrest here at home, and the Cold War and the
threat of nuclear holocaust. However, when bad things happen over which
you have no control, and these bad things continue over an extended period
of time, you may find that you suddenly feel terrified...alone...and vulnerable.
These feelings of helplessness may frighten you even more.
For older adults, especially those who are homebound, exposure to around-the-clock
TV news coverage of the war can be unnerving. Many people are feeling anxious,
vulnerable and upset. These are all normal reactions. Here are a few things
that can help you cope with this situation:
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Maintain control over those things that you can control. For example:
If you walk for exercise, continue to walk. You might consider changing
your walk to an inside location like the YMCA or the mall but, by
all means, continue your daily routine.
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Limit your television news viewing. Bad things generate
news coverage but you don’t have to subject yourself to repeated doses of it. Tune
in for occasional updates, but don’t sit in front of the television
waiting for them. Instead, turn to a movie channel, read a book
or listen to soothing music.
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Stay connected with family and friends. Don’t isolate yourself.
Keep in touch with family members and friends through phone calls and visits,
if they’re close by. Make an emergency communications plan with
family and friends. Re-introduce yourself to neighbors and exchange
phone/cell
phone numbers. Get involved in community activities, such as a
candlelight vigil, benefit, discussion group or special lecture.
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Do something for someone else. Taking attention off
our own worries and doing something nice for someone else can improve
our
own frame
of mind. Give blood, collect donations for Iraqi children, send “care
packages” or write letters to service men and women.
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Volunteer. Contact area schools, hospitals or volunteer
groups to ask how you can help. Taking personal action to be part of the
solution
is a
very constructive way to reduce your anxiety.
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Talk to someone. If you start to feel overwhelmed
by your feelings, talk with a friend, family member, doctor, religious
advisor or
mental health professional. Often, talking about your fears and realizing
that someone
else shares your feelings is enough to reduce your anxiety.
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Seek
professional help. If you feel your problem is more serious and you
are experiencing thoughts of suicide, hopelessness or extreme
anger,
seek help from a mental health professional. This is especially
important for those who live with depression, substance abuse
problems, anxiety
or post-traumatic stress disorder. Your local mental health association
can
help you find a social worker, psychologist, psychiatrist or
other mental health professional in your community.
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Be optimistic about the challenges ahead. Try to maintain a positive
outlook. Remember that our nation has survived other difficult times.
Stay in touch with your spirituality, if you find it comforting.
The National Mental Health Association has several resources available
to help you and others cope with tragic events, loss and other topics.
To obtain this information, go to www.nmha.org/reassurance/anniversary/index.cfm or
call our toll-free line 800-969-NMHA (6642).
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