Terrorism and Mental Health
What is terrorism?
Terrorism is an intentional act of violence for political, religious, or other reasons. Terrorists want to harm people, create fear, and destroy the emotional and economic stability of a community.
What makes the fear of a terrorist attack unique?
The knowledge that a terrorist act is an intentional effort to injure our community makes the fear unique. Unlike natural disasters (e.g. earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes), the unpredictable nature of terrorism and the lack of familiarity with its risks promote a strong sense of dread. In addition, those harmed by terrorism are victims of crime, bringing up issues of justice.
How does terrorism affect your well-being?
It is important to understand that terrorism affects both individuals and communities. Many New Yorkers were directly affected by past terrorist events, and many more fear the possibility of future attacks. Thoughts of terrorism can evoke strong emotions, and the uncertainty associated with terrorism is frightening because we are not sure when, where, or how a future terror attack might occur. The trauma caused by terrorism can bring about a wide range of normal and natural psychological reactions.
What are some normal psychological reactions to terror?
There is no right or wrong way to react to a traumatic event, whether it is a natural or man-made disaster.
Common reactions include:
- • Nervousness
- • Agitation or getting easily upset
- • Sadness
- • Feeling fearful or scared
- • Feeling overwhelmed
- • Feeling helpless
- • Feeling irritable or having angry outbursts.
These feelings are a natural response to a traumatic event. It is important to recognize and accept them as normal, temporary reactions.
How can you relieve stress and help yourself to feel better?
There are several things you can do to relieve stress and improve your ability to cope with the threat of terrorism:
- • Take care of yourself. Eating right, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and following daily routines.
- • The fear of terrorism is normal, but try not to let the fear stop you from following your normal routine or otherwise disrupt the quality of your life
- • Avoid excessive media coverage.
- • Avoid use of drugs and alcohol.
- • Communicate and express your feelings.
Why do normal psychological reactions to terrorism sometimes feel overwhelming?
Feelings associated with past terrorist events, the fear of the unknown, and the potential for future harm can intensify normal reactions to stress and anxiety. Anticipation of potential terrorist threats in close proximity to where we live or work is a source of worry for many New Yorkers. Further contributing to stress and anxiety is the widespread and excessive media coverage of terrorist acts that occur elsewhere in the world.
When should you consider that the stress you are experiencing is extreme?
Signs of extreme stress are not always obvious. They can include:
- • Loss of concentration, forgetfulness
- • Loss of appetite or overeating
- • Sleeping problems, fatigue
- • Headaches, upset stomach
- • Relationship troubles
- • Irritability
- • Mood swings
- • Changes in behaviors, not acting like "yourself"
- • Impaired work/school performance
- • Increased use of alcohol and/or drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medications.
What are the long-term effects of terrorism on your psychological well-being, and when should you seek professional help?
Most people recover from traumatic events with support, information, education, talking, time, and faith. For some people, however, reactions to a terrorist event or the threat of future terrorism may interfere with daily functioning for an extended period of time. They continue to experience the normal psychological reaction to trauma or symptoms of extreme stress. This might last for several weeks or longer, and the symptoms may get worse instead of better over time.
If the signs and symptoms of extreme stress are interfering with your ability to do the things you normally do, it might help to talk to a professional. Your healthcare provider can make a referral, or you can get help by calling 1-800- LIFENET (1-800-543-3638); 1-877-AYUDESE (1-877-298-3373) for Spanish LIFENET; 1-877-990-8585 for Chinese LIFENET; 1-212-982-5284 (TTY); or call 311 and ask for LIFENET.
You are not alone - help is available! |
Communicating and expressing your feelings is an important tool for self-care. It is important to reach out for help and support available to you. This may include your friends, family, religious or spiritual leaders, social groups, and others who can comfort you. It may also help to rely on workplace support, including your Employee Assistance Program. Addressing your concerns with your colleagues or supervisors may help relieve stress and feelings of anxiety and depression. If you or someone you know needs help and support, you can seek assistance from your family doctor or call 311 and ask for LIFENET. |
Empower yourself and your family |
Empowering yourself and your family by learning to manage stress and anxiety related to psychological consequences of past, and anticipated, attacks is vital to combating terrorism. There are many steps that New York City is taking to be prepared for the threat of terrorism, and many things you can do to help keep yourself and your family safe. For more information, see the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's Be Aware: New Yorkers Prepare Against the Threat of Terrorism at www.nyc.gov/html/doh/pdf/
bt/bt-prepare-brochure.pdf. |
Connect with others |
We must remember that our reactions to terrorism are normal responses to abnormal circumstances. Finding a safe place to express and communicate feelings helps to alleviate emotional harm. People tend to pull together during and immediately following a disaster. It is important to continue to help others and build a strong network of support to maintain an optimistic outlook for our future. |
