I'm not saying a lot on this subject.
How can one talk about things for which words don't exist?
Someone e-mailed be this. I think it's perfect.
-------
Hello everyone. I realize some of you may be sick of hearing about
today's events, but it may apply at some point in any of our lives.
What is below is first, practical advice for today and second, glimpse
of why we give thanks -- for an e-mail of OK, and for all the work that
people are doing in a situation that, to me, is unimaginable.
This came from the director of our study abroad consortium at Seattle
Central Community College. He asked us to share it with our students
traveling abroad, however the information is valuable for all who may
find it helpful.
Because of their degree of violence and complete unexpectedness, the
attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon may have left you with a
number of unsettling reactions. These reactions are shared by people
undergoing sudden trauma (from natural disaster, crime, accidents, acts
of war, etc.) and are normal ways of trying to deal with abnormal
situations. During the next few days and weeks, you may experience some
of these reactions. They will vary in intensity and duration with each
individual. Though your thoughts, feelings, and responses may be
unsettling, it is important to recognize them as natural and human. You
may not be able to prevent these reactions but there are ways to help
yourself and others.
Common Thoughts:
* Preoccupation with the event/difficulty thinking about other
things. This is our way of trying to absorb the enormity of the event,
little by little, at a pace we can handle.
* Thinking of the event over and over, being riveted to
television, radio, and web reports. This is our way of trying to
re-establish some sense of understanding and control.
* Trouble remembering or concentrating. Our intellectual and
emotional energies are focused on dealing with the shock.
* Guilt. We all cope in different ways. If you use humor to
cope, don't feel guilty for not being "appropriately sober" in all your
responses. If you use activity to cope, don't feel guilty for not
wanting to spend every moment trying to listen the news. If you use
keeping up with the news to cope, don't feel guilty for being
"inappropriately morbid." Each response is understandable and helps us
in different ways.
Common Feelings:
* Anxiety and fear
* Numbness, withdrawal
* Sadness
* Distrust
* Anger
* Desire for revenge
* Feelings of helplessness
Common Behaviors:
* Wanting to spend time talking and being with other
* Feeling protective of loved ones
* Sleep disturbances
Ways to Help Yourself and Others Cope
* Talk with people. This helps us feel less isolated and
anxious. This also helps us "reality check" our reactions, making us
realize our feelings are normal. It also helps to bring back to
reasonable parameters feelings of vengeance or fear we may be
experiencing.
* Give yourself permission to be distracted.
* Be kind toward others and tolerant of ways in which their coping
needs may differ from yours.
* Avoid real and symbolic violence. If you are feeling
overwhelmed by the television images of the Trade Center collapsing,
listen to the radio. Or avoid news sources altogether for awhile.
Periodically, you can ask others if there is any significant new
information you should know. Avoid entertainment with violent themes or
images.
* Structure your time. Keep your life as normal as possible.
* Help your children understand in ways that are not overwhelming.
For example, young children might need breaks from the television
imagery. You might reassure children that it is okay for them to not
know what to do. Instead, there are responsible and competent adults
who are handling this by each doing their specialized jobs. Emergency
crews are helping the victims and their families, investigators are
working to identify who is responsible, safety personnel are working to
prevent other incidents.
* Take care of yourself physically. Eat nourishing food, try to
get enough sleep, do mild exercise . Don't demand that your body perform
at high levels. Now may not be the time to adhere to a rigorous new
workout, an austere diet, or a taxing workday.
* Spend time with people you enjoy, doing things you enjoy.
* Engage in activities that reaffirm your sense of yourself and
others as members of a caring community.
How can one talk about things for which words don't exist?
Someone e-mailed be this. I think it's perfect.
-------
Hello everyone. I realize some of you may be sick of hearing about
today's events, but it may apply at some point in any of our lives.
What is below is first, practical advice for today and second, glimpse
of why we give thanks -- for an e-mail of OK, and for all the work that
people are doing in a situation that, to me, is unimaginable.
This came from the director of our study abroad consortium at Seattle
Central Community College. He asked us to share it with our students
traveling abroad, however the information is valuable for all who may
find it helpful.
Because of their degree of violence and complete unexpectedness, the
attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon may have left you with a
number of unsettling reactions. These reactions are shared by people
undergoing sudden trauma (from natural disaster, crime, accidents, acts
of war, etc.) and are normal ways of trying to deal with abnormal
situations. During the next few days and weeks, you may experience some
of these reactions. They will vary in intensity and duration with each
individual. Though your thoughts, feelings, and responses may be
unsettling, it is important to recognize them as natural and human. You
may not be able to prevent these reactions but there are ways to help
yourself and others.
Common Thoughts:
* Preoccupation with the event/difficulty thinking about other
things. This is our way of trying to absorb the enormity of the event,
little by little, at a pace we can handle.
* Thinking of the event over and over, being riveted to
television, radio, and web reports. This is our way of trying to
re-establish some sense of understanding and control.
* Trouble remembering or concentrating. Our intellectual and
emotional energies are focused on dealing with the shock.
* Guilt. We all cope in different ways. If you use humor to
cope, don't feel guilty for not being "appropriately sober" in all your
responses. If you use activity to cope, don't feel guilty for not
wanting to spend every moment trying to listen the news. If you use
keeping up with the news to cope, don't feel guilty for being
"inappropriately morbid." Each response is understandable and helps us
in different ways.
Common Feelings:
* Anxiety and fear
* Numbness, withdrawal
* Sadness
* Distrust
* Anger
* Desire for revenge
* Feelings of helplessness
Common Behaviors:
* Wanting to spend time talking and being with other
* Feeling protective of loved ones
* Sleep disturbances
Ways to Help Yourself and Others Cope
* Talk with people. This helps us feel less isolated and
anxious. This also helps us "reality check" our reactions, making us
realize our feelings are normal. It also helps to bring back to
reasonable parameters feelings of vengeance or fear we may be
experiencing.
* Give yourself permission to be distracted.
* Be kind toward others and tolerant of ways in which their coping
needs may differ from yours.
* Avoid real and symbolic violence. If you are feeling
overwhelmed by the television images of the Trade Center collapsing,
listen to the radio. Or avoid news sources altogether for awhile.
Periodically, you can ask others if there is any significant new
information you should know. Avoid entertainment with violent themes or
images.
* Structure your time. Keep your life as normal as possible.
* Help your children understand in ways that are not overwhelming.
For example, young children might need breaks from the television
imagery. You might reassure children that it is okay for them to not
know what to do. Instead, there are responsible and competent adults
who are handling this by each doing their specialized jobs. Emergency
crews are helping the victims and their families, investigators are
working to identify who is responsible, safety personnel are working to
prevent other incidents.
* Take care of yourself physically. Eat nourishing food, try to
get enough sleep, do mild exercise . Don't demand that your body perform
at high levels. Now may not be the time to adhere to a rigorous new
workout, an austere diet, or a taxing workday.
* Spend time with people you enjoy, doing things you enjoy.
* Engage in activities that reaffirm your sense of yourself and
others as members of a caring community.
