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In the Wake of 9-11-01, Will We Ever Be the Same?
A Psychological Perspective
By Gary Stollman, Ph.D.
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As I sat in my psychotherapy office listening to patients talk about their grief, anger, and fear connected with the September 11, 2001 terrorist
attacks, it had become increasing clear to me that we no longer have the
luxury of feeling safe.
Like so many others in countries where violence is an everyday occurrence, our sense of security has been stripped from us, the illusion of
safety destroyed forever. Next to the American Flag which we now adorn so
proudly, are our feelings of vulnerability which can be clearly seen worn on
our sleeves.
On September 10, 2001, no innocent citizen expected the events of the
following day to take place. Our anxiety grows as we no longer know what we
can expect from tomorrow. The uncertainly about our future safety is
something that we as Americans have almost no familiarity with. If we are to
survive psychologically, we must learn to cope.
Acute Traumatic Stress
When exposed to trauma or disaster, it is normal for one to experience an
array of distressing symptoms. Acute traumatic stress, a short-lived
psychological condition generally lasting from four to six weeks, can
manifest in many ways. First, you may feel a sense of numbing disbelief. "I
feel like I'm in a daze. This can't be happening." Then comes the hurt, which
for some quickly turns to anger. "How dare they! Let's just nuke them all."
Sleep patterns may be disrupted and you may experience flashbacks of the
traumatic scene as daydreams or nightmares. You might also find yourself
feeling depressed or irritable for no apparent reason. Your concentration may
suffer and you may experience changes in appetite.
As life returns to normal, your psyche will begin to rally as well. The
trauma slowly begins to fade into the past like the scene of an accident
along the side of the highway which soon fades into a small speck as you
drive further and further away from it. You eventually begin to accept that
life must go on and your anxiety begins to subside. For some however, the
trepidation remains and may increase over time. When symptoms increase or
fail to resolve over time, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, a long-term
negative reaction to exposure to trauma, has taken hold.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) :
A New Scenario
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
(DSM IV), the clinical criteria associated with PTSD include: recurrent and
intrusive distressing recollections of the event (i.e., flashbacks of the
traumatic event), persistent avoidance of stimuli associated with the trauma
(i.e., avoiding tall buildings), numbing of general responsiveness (i.e.,
diminished interest in others and/or participation in activities once
considered enjoyable), and persistent symptoms of increased arousal (i.e.,
becoming startled upon hearing any loud noise).
It is typically assumed that one must experience direct involvement with
or exposure to a traumatic event in order for that individual to develop
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD. With the advent of technology
however, this equation is beginning to change. You can be sitting in the
comfort of your living room thousands of miles from a trauma, and witness the
unfolding of the incident as if you were actually there.
With live coverage and round the clock repeated exposure to disastrous
occurrences as they unfold, I believe that we have entered a new era; an era
in which there is increasing potential for many individuals to develop
long-term anxiety symptoms through vicarious exposure to trauma. In a sense
we are trapped between a rock and a hard place. We seek comfort by staying
glued to our television sets, not wanting to miss out on any developments,
while simultaneously subjecting ourselves to repeated indigestible images
that traumatize our souls.
Resiliency: Why Some People Are Effected More Than Others
According to Webster's dictionary, "resiliency" is characterized by "a
capability of withstanding shock without permanent deformation or rupture" or
a tendency to "recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change."
Research on psychological resiliency reveals that the degree to which one is
adversely effected by traumatic exposure is dependent upon many factors.
First, individuals who have a strong support system and are willing and
able to talk about the traumatic experience and the feelings it provokes are
more psychologically resilient than those who keep their feelings to themselves. One's attitude also has a positive influence on recovery.
Studies have shown that maintaining an optimistic attitude in the face of
adversity can help one to get through extremely difficult situations.
Similarly, people who turn terrible events into challenges fair better than those who do not. John Walsh for example, whose son Adam was murdered,
refused to allow himself to be defeated by his terrible loss. Instead, he
became an advocate for missing children and is now host of "America's Most
Wanted" on Fox television. Emotional flexibility also plays an important
role in psychological resilience. An unwillingness to accept that which has
occurred and an insistence on maintaining a rigid attitude in face of change
makes it far more difficult to "roll with the punches" when faced with a
catastrophe.
Finally, a belief in God or greater power larger than oneself has been
shown to enable survivors of trauma to gain a broader perspective and
therefore view catastrophic events as simply a part of a much larger scheme.
Tips for Coping with Anxiety
The following guidelines can be useful in combating the emotional
repercussions of trauma:
* Recognize that you are not alone and that your anxiety is a normal reaction
to trauma. Few people have been unaffected by the terrorist attacks and those
who claim they haven't may be in denial.
* While your feelings may seem overpowering at times, talking about them with
others can be tremendously helpful and lessen the impact they have on your
life.
* If you belong to a church or other religious organization, attend services
as you may find solace in God.
* Try placing limits on your exposure to fear inducing graphic images by
watching no more than a half-hour of television news per day. If you are
still disturbed by the graphic images, try reading the newspaper instead.
* Routine provides a sense of stability and normalcy. Recommence with any
activities you have put aside. Avoiding the things you fear only serves to
fortify feelings of anxiety.
* Give to others. The act of giving can help to take your mind off your
problems. There are numerous organizations that can use your help.
* Exercise can help to get you mind off things and release endorphins which
can make you feel better. Get plenty of rest and eat properly.
* Seek professional help. If you anxiety doesn't diminish despite taking
proactive measures, speaking with a mental health professional can help your
life return to normal.
There is no doubt that life as we've known it has changed forever. Once
aware only of our strength as a nation, we are now cognizant of our weakness
and vulnerability. While it is our government's job to fight terrorism with
whatever means at their disposal, it is our job as individuals to learn to
fight against our inner demons. If we allow terrorists to succeed at
destroying our spirit, then they will have truly won.
Gary D. Stollman, Ph.D. is a psychotherapist in private practice in Beverly
Hills. He treats individuals, and also works with couples seeking to improve
their relationships. Additional information can be found at
www.talkwithdrgary.com, or by calling 310 859-6433.
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