September 17, 2001

Adult Stress Due to Terrorism

Although there is concern for the impact of recent terrorist attacks on the thoughts and feelings of children throughout America, it is also important to remember that adults are also susceptible to increased stress and anxiety as a result of the terrorist attacks, says Sean Brotherson, North Dakota State University Extension family science specialist.

"It is likely that for some time many adults may find themselves dealing with increased anxiety, sleep challenges, more fatigue, restless feelings or irritation, added physical concerns, or feelings of loss and sadness," Brotherson says. "These effects result from increased levels of stress and a decreased state of emotional and physical security. "Adults are now dealing with peripheral effects of Tuesday’s attacks that include uncertain economic conditions, rising energy prices, higher security levels in transportation and workplace areas and intense media coverage of the attack’s aftermath."

Brotherson says there are some things to remember when dealing with the increased stress resulting from the terrorist events.

• Accept the reality of increased levels of stress and take steps to adjust as needed if there are new conditions that you will have to accept on a continuing or permanent basis. If you know that media coverage will continue to be intense over the next few weeks, perhaps reduce your consumption of television or radio to keep stress levels down.
  
  
• Understand the emotions that you feel in response to the terrorist attacks and the stress that is associated with them. It is entirely normal to feel strong emotions of sadness, anger, frustration and empathy as a response to the attacks on our country. Allow yourself to feel and even express these emotions to others in ways that are appropriate. It will help you to process how you are feeling.
  
  
• Pay attention to how your stress level is affecting your attitudes and responses to others. Often stress leads individuals to be more tired, irritable, or impatient, and you may need to take care in how you interact with others or the situations you put yourself in.
  
  
• Recognize that stress results not only from the occurrence of the actual tragedy and associated feelings, but also from anxiety about other possible attacks or the security of you and your family members. Talk openly with a spouse, parent, other family members or friends if you feel anxious about your own safety, others’ safety, or the possibility of further attacks. Sharing your feelings will help you to gain a sense of perspective and control in your life which may have been shaken by the terrorist events.
  
  
• Take time out to engage in activities that let you relax and resume a normal pace of life. This may include conversation time with a friend or family member, going out to dinner, playing at the park or watching a movie with family or friends.
  
  
• Participate in opportunities to express your feelings associated with the terrorist attacks upon the United States. Such opportunities may include attending a memorial service, displaying a flag, making a donation, providing service or engaging in other appropriate activities of remembrance.
  
  
• Engage in activities that you feel provide opportunities for you to relieve your feelings of stress. Different strategies help us manage our feelings and calm our emotions when under high levels of stress. Identify what works for you. Suggestions include walking or participating in exercise, listening to music, engaging in prayer or meditation, having a conversation with a close friend or taking occasional short breaks from work or other intense activities.
  
  
• Avoid patterns of stress relief that may become problematic. These may include excessive drinking, misuse of drugs, extreme displays of anger, withdrawal or personal isolation or attempts to harm or mistreat others.
  
  
• Take care to provide yourself with sufficient sleep and a healthy diet. Stress drains a person’s energy and makes it more difficult to function well both physically and emotionally. Good sleep patterns and nutritious eating habits help to provide the reserves of energy that are needed to deal effectively with added levels of stress. Encourage others in your family who may be feeling added stress to do the same.
  
  
• Slow down and express appreciation for the positive things that are in your life. The terrorist attacks robbed us of many things. Find hope in the kindness shared by a neighbor. Share happiness in the affectionate touch of a family member or the laughter of a child. Kindle love in the expression of a caring word or gesture.

"Each of us should be aware that the events of September 11, 2001 will leave us changed as individuals and as a nation," says Brotherson. "The stress and anxiety that have come upon us and will continue for a time are real. However, we should strive to replace fear with faith in the future and in one another."

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Source: Sean Brotherson, (701) 231-6143, sbrother@ndsuext.nodak.edu
Editor: Rich Mattern, (701) 231-6136, Richard.Mattern@ndsu.nodak.edu