President
Joyce B. Wale, ACSW

Executive Director
Carolyn Beauchamp, ACSW

Coping with Trauma if You are a Mental Health Consumer

There have been many questions about how we will all deal with the emotional impact of Tuesday morning's terrorist attacks in New York City and Washington, D.C. This is a time for giving and receiving comfort, for the tragedies affect all of us. People will naturally feel confused, afraid, angry, or even powerless. Here are some things to remember for those of us who are coping with mental illness at this time:

  • Stress and anxiety is a human response: Everyone is experiencing the impact of the events. Feelings of stress and anxiety are normal. You may fear that what you are feeling is the beginning of relapse. What you are feeling is probably a normal reaction to a crisis situation.

As time goes on, you may experience some of the following:

  • Change in appetite and stomach problems

  • Increased effects of allergies, colds, and flu

  • Difficulty in sleeping and headaches

  • Feelings of being overwhelmed

  • Anger and suspicion

  • Moodiness and irritability

  • Crying for "no apparent reason"

  • Anxiety about the future

  • Lack of interest and depression

  • Disappointment with and refusal of outside help

  • Frustration and feelings of powerlessness

  • Isolating oneself from family, friends or social activities

In order to deal with these feelings:

  • Talk about it: everyone is experiencing this tragedy in own his/her way. Talking about the event as it affects you is part of the healing experience. You may feel the need to talk about it for some time. This is normal, and part of the process of recovery. Ask for support from your family, friends, church, self-help center and/or other community resources. You can also join or develop a support group.

  • Don't be worried if what is troubling you is different from what is troubling others: for some people, the most difficult thing may be the loss of a loved one, for others it may be fear of air travel. It is okay if your concerns or anxieties are different than another person's. This is normal.

  • Think about what positive things you have done in the past to help you manage stressful situations: being a mental health consumer, you have doubtless experienced many difficult times. It is important to remember that you have skills and coping abilities you can apply to this tragedy. Recall what positive things you have done in the past to cope with difficult times and know that you can use them now. Focus on your strengths.

  • Give yourself the time to feel better: this event may affect you for a while. As events unfold, your anxieties may change, and fears may come and go. Talking about your feelings once or twice may not be enough. It is all right for you to keep getting help until you feel better.

  • Figure out what you can do to help: feeling that you have done something to help can help you feel more in control. Identify what you can do to help (i.e. donate blood, clothing, comfort and support another person, talk to and reassure your children, set an example by expressing your feelings and showing problem solving skills, etc.).

  • Take care of yourself: Eat healthy meals, exercise, and get enough rest.

  • Continue to learn about normal reactions to a disaster: Share this information with friends and family.

  • Turn off the TV: Don't let your desire to keep up with the news get in the way of your well-being.

  • Get back to your daily routine as soon as possible: start doing what you can in small ways to return to your daily routine. 

Most people with mental illness will work through this tragedy like everybody else. You will go through the same sadness, anger, disbelief, fear and confusion. You will want to help in any way you can. Do not jump to the conclusion that relapse is a given. However, for a small number of individuals, this crisis may lead to a relapse. The best thing you can do for yourself and others is to stay aware of your feelings and behaviors over the next few weeks to months and seek help if you continue to cope poorly, or your emotions or behaviors become extreme. Take action by seeking help if you are experiencing paranoia, hallucinations, suicidal thoughts, homicidal thoughts, feelings of rage, overuse of substances such as alcohol, food and drugs, increased gambling or other addictive behaviors. 

  • Remember you are not alone

The basis of this material was a "Critical Incidence Debriefing" training provided by community psychologist, Dr. Bruce N. Miller, on 9/12/01.