 | Identify
the feelings that you may be experiencing. Understand that your feelings are a normal
reaction to an abnormal situation. |
| Remember
that you have overcome adversity and trauma in the past. Try to remember what you did that
helped you overcome the fear and helplessness in that situation. |
| Talk
to others about your fears. It’s okay to ask for help. Workplaces may convene small
groups with an EAP counselor or other mental health counselor so people can share
feelings. |
| Make
efforts to maintain your usual routine. |
| Think
positively. Realize that things will get better. Be realistic about the time it takes to
feel better. |
| Recognize
that the nature of terrorist attacks creates fear and uncertainty about the future.
Continue to do the things in your life that you enjoy. Don’t get preoccupied with the
things you cannot control to the extent that they prevent you from living your normal
life. |
| Know
the actions our government is taking to combat terrorism and restore safety and security.
Recognize that trained officials throughout the country are mobilized to prevent, prepare
for and respond to terrorist attacks. |
| Limit
exposure to media coverage. |
Tips
for Helping Children Cope:
·
Encourage
children to say how they are feeling about the event.
·
Ask
children what they have seen, heard or experienced.
·
Assure
children that their parents are taking care of them and will continue to help them deal
with anything that makes them feel afraid.
·
Help
children recognize when they have shown courage in meeting a new scary situation and
accomplished a goal despite hardship or barriers. Instill a sense of empowerment.
·
Let
children know that institutions of democracy are still in place and our government is
intact. (It can also be helpful for adults to realize this.)
· Know
that it is possible for children to experience vicariously the traumatization from the
terrorist attack (e.g. watching TV coverage, overhearing adult conversations).
The UPSTATE CENTER for TRAUMA
and PREVENTION RESOURCES (UCTPR)
“What
You May Experience During a Terrorist Attack” is part of the UCTPR Series
The Connection
between Trauma and Substance Use, Abuse and Addiction
a program of
the Council on Alcoholism and other Chemical Dependencies of the Finger Lakes.
Funding for
this project was provided by the NYS Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services
under a grant
from the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention of SAMHSA.
Material was
adapted from the American Psychological Association.
