• Ten years later, 95% of the 3000 survivors of the World Trade Center continue to experience significant PTSD.
• Ten years later, mental health statistics show that PTSD and depression are not just experienced by those at ground zero or those who lost a loved one, were first responders or engaged in cleanup or recovery. Data shows that millions who witnessed the event continue to suffer psychological consequences.
• Ten years later, parents who had been highly exposed to 9/11-related trauma experience significant panic and anxiety than low-exposed parents.
• Ten years later, the brain biology of children and adults who were in close proximity to the disaster remain in a hypervigilant state.
• Ten years later, studies polling public opinion suggest that the country lacks confidence with news information and with reporting of intelligence obtained.
• Ten years later, uneasiness still lingers for plane crews and travelers alike.
• Ten years later, a team of scientists are still working full time to identify 9/11 victim remains.
• Ten years later, cancer rates continue to skyrocket around the World Trade Center perimeter.
• Ten years later, political discourse persists, leaving many Americans doubting governmental officials and policymakers
• Ten years later, youth growing up in the shadow of 9/11 are more mistrusting of the world around them.
Tips to Offset These Trends• When dealing with trauma, it’s vital to know about the
Anniversary Effect. Sometimes called an
Anniversary Reaction, this psychological event sets into motion unsettling feelings, thoughts or memories that occur on the anniversary of a significant experience (i.e. Divorce, Death, Trauma, and Disaster). It’s very common to have strong emotional reactions weeks before an anniversary date, and continue even afterwards. This is an expected reactive state, so know that there’s nothing wrong with you. Understanding the anniversary effect can help you make sense of the emotional turmoil you’re experiencing.
• Historical disasters, traumas or crises receive significant media coverage. Often, media outlets revisit distressing imagery. Limit your watching of TV, reading of newspapers and visiting of Internet news sites around those dates. Secondary trauma, also called
Vicarious Trauma, is when you witness an event that causes you distress. As the anniversary of 9/11 approaches, also limit your exposure from others who can’t refrain from talking about the event. Make it a no-drama day.
• You don’t have to feel imprisoned by a distressing experience of the past. Create a shield of resilience. Make sure you take good care of yourself during these times. Self-care, support and comfort will ground you as you move through a difficult trauma. Express your memories and feelings by talking with a family member or friend, writing or using physical activity to de-stress. Other ways to express your inner experiences can include the creative arts. These activities can re-set brain biology and soften hypervigilance.
• If you find that you're struggling with trauma, remember that you're not alone. Loss affects each of us differently, so don't put a time limit on your grief. Don’t compare the trajectory of your recovery to anyone else’s. What 9/11 has shown the mental health community is that there’s no finite time-line for healing.
• Though studies show that parents who were directly exposed to 9/11 are over-reactive, the data shows that their kids generally don’t follow suit. If you can’t reel your panic or worries in about every day matters, know that your child is less impressionable than you think. Kids have a keen ability to know when something is worry-worthy.
• When curious about world events, get information from various sources, including out- of-the-country news programming. This will help you get a more balanced perspective of news worthy information.
• Consider taking the pain of this anniversary date and turning it into a day of service or memorial. Don’t linger on the helplessness or hopelessness this day evoked for yourself, your family or the country. Be determined to mark the day in a positive way.
• When traveling, empower yourself with facts grounded in reality. For example, air travel is statistically the safest mode of transportation. To help yourself feel confident, make sure you follow travel guidelines and conform to safety standards. And remember that not all anxiety is bad. Being attentive, even a bit nervous, can be a good thing. It enables you – and others – to be watchful and self-protective.
• While some may have found a sense of closure with the events of 9/11, there are others who are still in a state of prolonged grief or trauma. Be respectful and compassionate. Don’t shame or blame a person for not being able to “get over” this crisis.
• When it comes to getting aid or governmental funding for your health care as a 9/11 survivor, don’t let bureaucratic obstacles sideline your well-being. Continue going for your treatments while others tend to dealing with the procedural or legislative delays.
• Trauma dislodges the bond we have to others. Though terrorism can unsettle anyone’s foundation of trust, it’s important to help those shaken by 9/11 understand that the evil acts of few are not in the heart of many. This is especially true for children who have grown up alongside the specter of 9/11.
