Stress management guidance for WTC workers, Sept 2001

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

Managing Traumatic Stress: Tips for Recovering http://www.cdphp.coni/main/ManagingTrauniaticStress.shtinl

A number of factors tend to affect the length of time required for recovery, including: • The degree of intensity and loss. Events that last loiter and pose a greater threat, and where loss of life or substantial loss of property is involved, often take longer to resolve. • A person's general ability to cope with emotionally challenging situations. Individuals who have handled other difficult, stressful circumstances well may find it easier to cope with the trauma. • Other stressful events preceding the traumatic experience. Individuals faced with other emotionally challenging situations, such as serious health problems or family-related difficulties, may have more intense reactions to the new stressful event and need more time to recover.

How should 1 help myself and my family? There are a number of steps you can take to help restore emotional well being and a sense of control following a terrorist act, a disaster or other traumatic experience, including the following: • Give yourself time to heal. Anticipate that this will be a difficult time in your life. Allow yourself to mourn the losses you have experienced. Try to be patient with changes in your emotional state. • Ask for support from people who care about you and who will listen and empathize with your situation. But keep in mind that your typical support system may be weakened if those who are close to you also have experienced or witnessed the trauma. • Communicate your experience in whatever ways feel comfortable to you - such as by talking with family or close friends, or keeping a diary. • Find out about local support groups that often are available such as for those who have suffered from natural disasters, or for women who are victims of rape. These can be especially helpful for people with limited personal support systems. • Try to find groups led by appropriately trained and experienced professionals. Group discussion can help people realize that other individuals in the same circumstances often have similar reactions and emotions. • Engage in healthy behaviors to enhance your ability to cope with excessive stress. Eat well-balanced meals and get plenty of rest. If you experience ongoing difficulties with sleep, you may be able to find some relief through relaxation techniques. Avoid alcohol and drugs. • Establish or reestablish routines such as eating meals at regular times and following an exercise program. Take some time off from the demands of daily life by pursuing hobbies or other enjoyable activities. • Avoid major life decisions such as switching careers or jobs if possible because these activities tend to be highly stressful. • Become knowledgeable about what to expect as a result of trauma. Some of the 'Additional Resources' listed at the end of this fact sheet may help you with this learning process.

How do I take care of children's special needs? The intense anxiety and fear that often follow a disaster or other traumatic event can be especially troubling for children. Some may regress and demonstrate younger behaviors such as thumb sucking or bed wetting. Children may be more prone to nightmares and fear of sleeping alone. Performance in school may suffer. Other changes in behavior patterns may include throwing tantrums more frequently, or withdrawing and becoming more solitary. There are several things parents and others who care for children can do to help alleviate the emotional consequences of trauma, including the following: • Spend more time with children and let them be more dependent on you during the months following the trauma - for example, allowing your child to cling to you more often than usual. Physical affection is very comforting to children who have experienced trauma. • Provide play experiences to help relieve tension. Younger childhen in particular may find it easier

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