Terrorism: Living with Uncertainty

Homeland Security

Americans are living in uncertain times.

Many People are feeling anxious about terrorist attacks. That’s understandable. But continued anxiety can take a serious toll on health and relationships.

Vigilance and calm are key to success –as individuals, as families and as a nation. It’s important for all of us to:

• Understand how terrorism can affect mental health
• Recognize healthy-

and unhealthy-

ways to cope

• Realistically judge the risks we face

People react to terrorism in different ways.

Common reactions

Include:

• shock and denial-because it’s hard to comprehend what’s happened
• anger at those who caused such pain
• grief for our losses
• survivor guilt-“Why was I spared? Why didn’t I do more to help?”
• feeling helpless or powerless
• fear

Some people have delayed reactions.

Others feel these things right away.

Signs and Symptoms

of anxiety may include:

• irritability
• emotional outbursts
• trouble concentrating
• forgetfulness
• trouble sleeping
• nightmares
• crying “for no reason”
• eating too little or too much
• fatigue
• dropping out of a daily routine

Some ways of coping can help you-and help our country.

Keep routines as normal as possible.

Routines are comforting. Take time to do things you enjoy, too.

Help others.

Consider making a donation or doing volunteer work.

Identify sources of strength.

· Think of other times you were upset-and how you pulled through.

· Look to you spiritual beliefs.

· Strengthen connections with neighbors, family and friends, including those far away.

Be physically active.

Exercise can help you release anger and reduce stress (talk to a health-care provider before starting an exercise program).

Find ways to grow.

Times of grief can be time to take stock of your life-including your goals and priorities.

Other way of coping can be harmful.

Have terrorist attacks led you to:

· be afraid or reluctant to leave the house?

· isolate yourself from co-workers, neighbors, family and friends?

· turn to alcohol, tobacco or other drugs to numb feelings of stress?

· take other risks to “prove your are alive?”

Prejudice makes matters worse.

Terrorist attacks don’t make it acceptable to:

· blame an entire culture, ethnic group or religion

· harass or attack someone who appears to be from a certain culture, ethnic group or religion

Recognize any harmful behaviors you may have developed.

Try to find more positive ways to cope. Consider getting professional help.

Let your common sense guide you.

Understand the actual risk.

· The chance that you or a family member will become a victim of terrorism remains very small.

· Government agencies are working hard to prevent future attacks. Rescue workers are well prepared to handle emergencies if they occur.

Have a communications plan.

· Ask some one who lives and works out of town to be your family’s emergency contact.

· Have family members carry the contact’s phone number(s) and e-mail address with them.

· If disaster strikes your area, family members should report their locations to the contact. He or she can tell you where everyone is.

Act on facts, not rumors.

Your best sources of information are government agencies and major news organizations.

Know that you are not alone.

Turn to someone you trust

-it may help to talk about feelings.

Be willing to listen, too.

Contact other sources of help

if your feelings don’t go away or you’re having trouble getting on with life. Turn to:

• your health-care provider
• your employee assistance program (EAP), if available
• crisis intervention hotlines (check the community services section of you phone book)
• your local department of mental health
• the National Institute of Mental Health

1-800-421-4211 or www.nimh.nih.gov

• the American Red Cross-your local chapter can help you find a counselor trained to help in disasters.

The publisher has taken care in the preparation of this information, it does not necessarily describe particular situations you may encounter. You should ask a qualified expert or professional for advice about your particular situation.

Information taken from pamphlets provided by: Connecticut Clearinghouse (A library and Resource Center on Alcohol, Tobacco, Other Drugs, Mental Health and Wellness) (800) 232-4424 http://www.ctclearinghouse.org/