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Terrorist Attack Response Help
The unprecedented attack on the United States committed on September 11, 2001 has brought tremendous challenges to our country and society. Among those challenges are the spiritual and religious challenges before us. Here is a collection of material that may provide some guidance or help in this most difficult time.
Help for Adults
From:
PCUSA NEWS <PCUSA.NEWS@ecunet.org>
Reply-To:
pcusanews@halak.pcusa.org
Help for adults coping with the effects of violence
by
Kristine Holmes
(Editor's
note: The Presbyterian News Service has received numerous "how to" suggestions
for coping with the Sept. 11 crisis in America. This one, written by Kristine
Holmes, a parish nurse for the First Presbyterian Church of Howard County in
Columbia, Md., is the best we've seen. - Jerry L. Van Marter)
When
our country is the victim of a terrorist attack such as happened on Tuesday,
we are all going to be moved by this tragedy and a natural reaction is to watch,
over and over ... the planes coming in, buildings being hit and then
falling. Post
Traumatic Stress Reduction experts tell us that this is the exact opposite
of what we should do. When we watch
something like this repetitively
it imprints it into our consciousness and fixes our traumatization. We
should especially not allow children to watch and do this.
Terrorism makes
us all feel vulnerable but for children who lack an adult sense of perspective
seeing such scenes repeatedly can be especially disturbing.
Some
signs of stress reactions:
Anger
- anger at the perpetrators of such an act is a healthy response but
a common reaction to horrible situations over which we have no control is to get
angry at life in general. This can
be expressed as irritation with
co-workers and family members. And remember that family members may be having
the same response.
Feeling
depressed - a sense of loss and grief that is overwhelming. It can
make even simple tasks seem difficult.
Mild
confusion - difficulty concentrating and attending to detail leads to
difficulty in hearing information correctly.
Increased
flight/fight-response - heightened vigilance can lead to well-intentioned
restrictions being over-imposed on loved ones--to keep them safe.
Sleep
difficulties - both difficulty falling asleep and easily disturbed sleep.
Suggestions
for Managing the Stress:
Cut
down on stimulation - turn off the TV and turn the radio off or down.
Have
the kids engage in a quiet activity or play outside.
Balance
vigorous exercise with rest - get enough sleep, try a glass of warm
milk and gentle stretching exercises before sleep.
Eat
well-balanced meals - avoid excess caffeine and alcohol.
Talk
about how you are feeling - share with friends and family and listen to
how they are doing too.
Pray
and go to church - a community of friends and faith beliefs are very important
during difficult times.
Take
care of yourself - don't try to do too much. If you don't care for yourself,
you will not be able to care for others.
Talk
to your pastor or a counselor - if the symptoms are overwhelming.
More Help
Here are some websites that you might find helpful
http://www.infinitemind.com/ See their article on "Terror: Trauma and Healing."
