|
By James D. Cowart, Ph.D.
Many mental health professionals have said that in the first few days after the attacks on September 11, 2001, there was actually a decline in the number of clients calling for assistance. It was as if people were in shock and couldn't think about anything except the horrible scenes they were seeing on television. After about a week there was a surge in clients calling for an appointment, and that increase seems to be continuing.
It should be no surprise that recent acts of terrorism would produce some increase in the anxiety experienced by the public. Anxiety disorders already occur in 13% of the population, each year. Common anxiety disorders include Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia, Social Phobia, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (characterized by intense, chronic worry), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Individuals already suffering with PTSD may experience an increase in symptoms as a result of recent events in the news. PTSD can occur when an individual experiences an event that involves death or serious injury or a serious threat, and as a result, experiences persistent and intense fear, helplessness or horror. Some of the symptoms of PTSD include: re-experiencing the event through nightmares and intrusive memories - accompanied by intense feelings of anxiety, efforts to avoid thoughts or memories of the event, emotional numbing and detachment from others, as well as difficulty sleeping, exaggerated startle response and increased irritability. Individuals who suffer from some types of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder may also experience an increase in symptoms. Some of these individuals have an intense fear of contamination and as a result wash or clean, repetitively, to ward off possible contamination. Recent events involving Anthrax exposure may have a special impact on these individuals. Those who suffer from Generalized Anxiety Disorder or other disorders may experience an increase in symptoms, as well.
It is normal for Americans (and those who love America) to feel shocked and saddened by the recent acts of terrorism. It goes without saying that those families who lost someone to a terrorist act are going through a kind of grief that is hard for the rest of us to imagine. Those families need whatever support we can give them. All other Americans are also emotionally effected by these events. Some emotional distress and grief is to be expected in people who may not have had any pre-existing anxiety or depressive disorder. With the continuing incidents involving anthrax, it is likely that many people will experience some additional anxiety. However, people who can reach out to family and friends for support and conversation about these events are helping themselves to process and adapt to the new situation and then move ahead.
On the other hand, people who are more isolated and those who may have pre-existing anxiety or depression are more at risk. In any case, if anxiety and depression persist and interfere with day-to-day functioning, then it would be appropriate to contact a Professional for assistance.
There is hope for people who suffer with these disorders, since new coping skills and other new treatments can have a very positive impact and greatly improve an individual's ability to function in everyday life.
|
|
