The terrorist attacks in New York City and Washington, D.C.,
have had a profound effect on people of all generations across the country. Although
everyone responds to such tragedy with varying degrees of grief, fear and anger, many older
adults who have lived through previous tragedies and trauma may be at greater risk for
experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression or anxiety.
Some Common Responses to Disaster
- Disbelief and shock
- Fear and anxiety about the future
- Disorientation, apathy and emotional numbing
- Irritability and anger
- Sadness and depression
- Feeling powerless
- Over- or under-eating
- Difficulty making decisions
- Crying for “no apparent reason”
- Headaches and stomach problems
- Difficulty sleeping
- Excessive alcohol or drug use
You may experience all or only a few of these responses. Over time, these symptoms and
difficulties should begin to decrease, as you refocus attention on your daily activities.
However, everyone experiences stress differently so don't compare your progress with other
people's or judge their reactions and emotions.
How to Cope In the Aftermath of the Attacks
- Talk about the experience and how you are feeling. Expressing your thoughts with others
gives you the opportunity to relieve stress, reduce anxiety and realize that other people
share your feelings.
- Communicate with loved ones often. Communicating with family and friends following a
disaster helps increase feelings of safety and security.
- Take care of yourself physically. If exercise is a regular part of your routine, continue
to exercise. It is also important to eat well, drink plenty of water and rest.
- Be around others. Isolation and loneliness can increase the degree to which you
experience symptoms. If you do not have a local network of family or friends to visit
with often, find a place where you can be with people. Volunteer at a local nonprofit,
offer to speak at local schools about historical events you have experienced, contact local
churches or senior centers to see if they are holding any activities of interest to you, or call
your doctor or local mental health center to see if there is an older adults support group in
your area that you could attend. If you are unable to drive, do not hesitate to ask for a ride,
look into reduced special taxi fares for senior citizens, or take public transportation, if you
are able.
- Do things you enjoy. If you have put things aside that you normally enjoy, get involved
in those activities now. Go for that walk, plant flowers or play cards with your friends.
- Write about significant experiences in your life and how they have affected you.
Journaling gives you the opportunity to express your feelings in your own words and at
your own pace. It is also an opportunity for you to share pieces of your life with future
generations.
It is important to return to your usual routine at your own pace; however, if your symptoms
do not seem to be subsiding or if they appear to be getting worse, you may want to speak with
a mental health professional. If you have already been diagnosed with a mental health disorder
or if you find you are distressed about traumatic events from your past, you may want to meet
with a mental health professional as a precautionary measure. To find a mental health professional
in your community, contact your primary care physician, a local mental health center or your area
Mental Health Association.
The National Mental Health Association (NMHA) has several resources available to help you
and others cope with the disaster including Talking with Kids,
Helping Your Workforce Cope and Return to Work, and fact sheets on post-traumatic stress disorder,
depression, coping with loss and other topics. To obtain this information,
visit www.nmha.org or call our toll-free line 800-969-NMHA
(6642).
© 2001 National Mental Health Association
National
Mental Health Association
2000 N. Beauregard Street, 6th Floor
Alexandria, VA 22311
Phone
703/684-7722
Fax 703/684-5968
Mental Health Information Center 800/969-NMHA
TTY Line 800/433-5959
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