The September 11th attack
Terror attacks take emotional toll
By Beverly Creamer
Advertiser Staff Writer
The shock and numbness in the wake of last week's terrorist attacks are giving way to strong emotions of anger and a desire for revenge, say mental health experts who are helping Americans face the emotional aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks.
People are likely to be more agitated at work, which could lead to strong feelings and interpersonal conflicts. Conversely, they may well be "zombie-like" or distracted, very likely to lose their keys or to head out to work and end up at the grocery store.
Gannett News Service
"As you watch the news, you'll hear more and more of the rage and anger," said Gloria Neumann, a psychologist for the Honolulu Police Department.
For about 10 percent of the population, last week's terrorism could rekindle trauma from the past, causing new nightmares, sleeplessness or waves of fearfulness, according to an expert on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) from the Veterans Administration.
"Our veterans, for instance, some of them didn't feel safe just driving here. They would cancel appointments," said psychologist Julia Whealin, a VA expert on post traumatic stress disorder.
"Others have the symptoms of the earlier stress, so they might be reliving the trauma of that or feeling fear, helplessness or horror. Or just simply feeling unsafe again. PTSD can occur even 30 years after the event if the right trigger occurs."
The disorder is not limited to war veterans but can affect anyone who has undergone a very traumatic experience such as rape or witnessing a murder. Anyone who has experienced PTSD in the past is at great risk of renewed symptoms during high stress.
People also are experiencing a heightened sense of edginess, said employee assistance counselor Norman Gibson at Straub Clinic and Hospital.
"The thunder we had this weekend, a lot of people thought that was anti-aircraft fire," said Gibson. "They had a 'trigger' reaction to it. A number of people thought we were under attack. We call it hyper-vigilance. Others would say people are much more on edge than usual. A little more snappy than usual."
Whealin said those suffering from recurrent PTSD might also expect jittery reactions: "Someone comes up behind you and says something and you jump out of your chair."
Neumann called on people to be a little more understanding of one another in the coming days, to be kind to one another. "If you see someone who looks like they're hurting, encourage them to talk it out," she said.
And Whealin said that if you see colleagues reacting with anger, "it is important not to take their anger personally." Letting them "vent," she said, and providing a listening ear, will help immeasurably.
It also helps to drink a lot of water, which rids the body of the stress hormone cortisol, and make sure to eat healthy meals, get plenty of sleep and exercise.
As people continue to experience a full range of emotions, moving through the classic grief stages of denial, anger and acceptance, Neumann suggests they try to achieve some kind of balance in their lives to maintain their mental health.
"You need a reprieve, a chance to turn off all of the stuff — the TV, the feelings — you need a little escape," she said. "You need to go to a funny movie, go play with the kids, go surfing, even for an hour. Read a good book, go exercise, do something to channel that energy and tune out for a little while.
"Act as if things were OK," she said. "Do the things you normally do. Fake that sense of peace until you really start feeling it. The ones who get into trouble (emotionally) are the ones who stay sitting in front of the TV."
After the anger and rage, there will be other stages, say the experts, including a lingering sense of depression. It is then that they ask individuals to remember that there have been "miracles" and acts of heroism in the midst of this tragedy.
There may also be an overwhelming sense of fatigue, an inability to concentrate or work.
"They're looking at the TV and saying 'what next?'" said Gibson.
