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Return to Terrorism and
Survivor Resources
TRAUMA RECOVERY TIPS
From America's Leading Crime Victim
Assistance Organizations
No American will go untouched - whether directly or indirectly -- by the
devastating terrorist attacks that took place recently and which swept the
hearts and minds of citizens across the nation. Many people will experience a
variety of reactions to the trauma and the unforgettable images from the
tragedy, including feeling numb, angry, sleepless and helpless. The following
tips may help you cope with the emotions and grief.
- Talk. Unspeakable trauma becomes more manageable when it is verbalized.
Try to find words to describe your reaction and share them with someone
you trust. If you can't talk with someone, write in a journal or diary.
- Recognize that thinking ability may be compromised. It is natural that
in these circumstances, one's ability to concentrate is limited. Employers
must recognize this and accommodate.
- Honor individual differences in trauma reaction. Your way is not the
only way. People bring their full life experiences to the events of
September 11, 2001. It is not useful to tell others how to handle their
own trauma. For example, telling someone he or she must be strong is
useless. People are coping the best they can
- Recognize the value of tears. Tears are simply a tender tribute to
mourning. They are a natural reaction of men, women, and children to
internal stress. They remove unhealthy stress-related toxins from the
body.
- Reach out to those more directly affected. Call those you know who are
affected, even if distantly affected. Perhaps invite them over for dinner
or take them a meal. Listen exquisitely. They may say the same things over
and over again. Honor these experiences by listening rather than giving
advice or telling them that things could have been worse.
- Limit television and radio. Turn it on only occasionally and then go for
a walk or put on some calming music to remind yourself that most of the
people in the world and in your community are good. Human goodwill and
kindness illuminate the darkness even as a single candle can pierce the
darkness.
- Do something to help. Donate blood. Send money to the American Red Cross
or one of the other organizations that are helping directly. Fly an
American flag or put a candle in your window to affirm your commitment
that darkness will not overcome the light. Plant a tree or perennial plant
to remind yourself at next year's anniversary that life prevails.
- Utilize spiritual resources. Attend church, synagogue, mosque or other
faith community services or vigils. Be authentic with the God of your
understanding.
- Seek professional support. Additional trauma support, counseling and
resources are available with the following organizations.
Coalition of victim assistance organizations providing this information
include:
California Crime Victim Compensation Board, Colorado
Organization for Victim Assistance, Joint Center on Violence and Victim Studies,
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) National Office, National Association of
Crime Victim Compensation Boards, National Association of VOCA Administrators,
National Center for Victims of Crime, National Organization for Victim
Assistance (NOVA), National Organization of Parents of Murdered Children,
National Sexual Violence Resource Center, Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape
and Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS).
Additional information and trauma recovery tips and information can be found
at:
http://www.madd.org/ http://www.ncvc.org/
http://www.pomc.org/ http://www.try-nova.org/
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