UW News
September 6, 2002
Things Families Can Do to Cope with Post-September 11 Reactions
After exposure to traumatic events, such as last year’s Sept. 11 tragedy, it is common and normal to have unsettling feelings, thoughts and behaviors. As media feature post-Sept. 11 articles and programs, your sense of safety and security may leave you feeling vulnerable and insecure in your environment.
Harborview Medical Center’s Traumatic Stress Counseling Program offers
the following coping tips:
- Realize that people may have a wide range of reactions to the anniversary. Some won’t feel affected at all, while others may feel sad, angry, frightened or worried. Everyone copes differently so try to be sensitive in understanding others and individual coping styles. Distraction and minimal attention to the anniversary works for some; participating in memorial activities or talking works for others.
- Monitor exposure to graphic images, as this may be a source of distress for you or for children. Keep younger children (under 8 years old) away from graphic images of violence.
- Check in or stay near family and friends. This is almost always a comfort. If you feel a need to be with members of your community on a broader level, contact your local religious organization or community center. Many organizations are holding specially organized events.
- Try to keep a perspective on the implications for a changed sense of safety in the world. Despite the horror of Sept. 11, people around the world have learned to live meaningful and mostly safe lives even with the threat of terrorism.
- Emphasize the positive attributes of lost friends or loved ones and of positive actions people took during and following the events of Sept. 11.
- Reassure young children that they are safe. Tell them in simple words that some bad things happen in the world, but they are safe right now. Answer questions honestly if asked, but don’t volunteer a lot of information. Give older children and teens opportunities to express reactions and answer their questions honestly.
- If your post-Sept. 11 reactions become overwhelming, seek professional help.
Further coping information for parents, teachers and students can be found on the National Association of School Psychologists website: www.nasponline.org.
The Harborview Center for Sexual Assault and Traumatic Stress has been providing trauma-specific evaluation and treatment services since 1973. The Center is one of the most experienced in the country providing medical and counseling services to victims and their families. Counseling is provided at two locations:
