Disasters such as the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon can affect all people no matter where they live. Such attacks are so quick and horrific that you may feel unprepared to deal with the overwhelming stress and intense emotions caused by such a disaster. Everyone is scared, worried and confused because our lives have been turned upside down. You may ask yourself, "Am I losing my mind?" because your life has been affected by what is pictured over and over on TV: grief, despair, violence, and pain, and you're not quite sure how to deal with it.

Be reassured that you are not losing your mind, and you are one of many people who feel the same way. When daily routines have been totally altered, it is difficult to focus on returning our life to normalcy. A disaster can be shocking and frightening, and your reaction to the disaster can be just as unsettling, but it can be dealt with. Given the right information and guidance, a person can learn ways to relieve stress and effectively cope with disturbing emotions. In this section are some recommendations about how a person can more confidently begin to put the pieces back together.

Coping with a Disaster or Traumatic Event - Strategies for Promoting Mental Health and Resilience