Helping People Cope With September 11th Aftermath

April 12, 2002
Since Sept. 11, Americans are dealing with a new and sometimes frightening reality. A new booklet can help deal with the feelings of anger, sadness, frustration and fear many are feeling.

"We would like to live as we once lived, but history will not permit it," said John F. Kennedy. Those words have never rung more true for Americans.

Since Sept. 11, Americans are dealing with a new and sometimes frightening reality. The events of that day stirred up many reactions: anger, fear, anxiety, sadness, grief, dismay and helplessness.

These feelings are normal after any major crisis, say experts, whether it occurs on a personal or national level, and coping with a tragedy is not always easy. Many people are still experiencing emotional fallout related to Sept. 11, and that is the focus of a new booklet, "Take Charge: Handling a Crisis and Moving Forward," published by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine (AIPM) in Farmington Hills, Mich.

The booklet offers tips to help people cope with the emotions that surfaced since September 11th, or that can surface following any tragedy. Some suggestions include:

  • Talk to others about your fears. It''s okay to ask for help. Connect with family, friends or co-workers.
  • Maintain your normal routines.
  • Don''t fight the desire to cry. Tears can help relieve stress.
  • Recognize those things you can control and those you can''t. Identify and use your own strengths and resources.
  • Use measures that have helped you overcome fear and helplessness in the past.
  • Practice for upcoming events that worry you. Imagine yourself feeling calm and in control during the event.
  • Avoid too much media coverage of a tragic event.
  • Know that this will not be an easy time and give yourself time to heal.
  • Don''t become the victim of a crisis. Instead, prepare to act in the event of one. Turn your fears into action. Be vigilant and look out for your own safety and the safety of others.

AIPM is a provider of self-care, wellness and mental health publications to over 11,500 corporations, hospitals and government agencies. Ten percent of the profits from the sale of Take Charge are being donated to the Todd M. Beamer Foundation.

For more information, contact the AIPM, 30445 Northwestern Highway, Suite 350, Farmington Hills, MI 48334-3102; phone: (248) 539-1800; E-mail: [email protected]; Web site: www.HealthyLife.comwww.HealthyLife.com.

by Sandy Smith ([email protected])

About the Author

EHS Today Staff

EHS Today's editorial staff includes:

Dave Blanchard, Editor-in-Chief: During his career Dave has led the editorial management of many of Endeavor Business Media's best-known brands, including IndustryWeekEHS Today, Material Handling & LogisticsLogistics Today, Supply Chain Technology News, and Business Finance. In addition, he serves as senior content director of the annual Safety Leadership Conference. With over 30 years of B2B media experience, Dave literally wrote the book on supply chain management, Supply Chain Management Best Practices (John Wiley & Sons, 2021), which has been translated into several languages and is currently in its third edition. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at major trade shows and conferences, and has won numerous awards for writing and editing. He is a voting member of the jury of the Logistics Hall of Fame, and is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.

Adrienne Selko, Senior Editor: In addition to her roles with EHS Today and the Safety Leadership Conference, Adrienne is also a senior editor at IndustryWeek and has written about many topics, with her current focus on workforce development strategies. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics. Previously she was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck?, which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list.

Nicole Stempak, Managing Editor:  Nicole Stempak is managing editor of EHS Today and conference content manager of the Safety Leadership Conference.

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