Responding to the Terror

by Dr. Spiegel

The attacks on the United States were sudden, violent, unexpected, and have left everyone understandably upset. We have learned from years of research on how people respond to traumatic stressors that they need to take time to process their normal reactions to such abnormal events. The feelings initially aroused include fear, sadness, anger, and a sense of unreality. Such reactions are expectable, and it is helpful to express rather than suppress them.

Talk to others about your reactions and you will discover that you are not alone, that others are as deeply affected as you are. We have lost our sense of invulnerability, and this can make anyone feel edgy, exposed, afraid. Take time from your usual routines, both work and personal, to think and talk through what these attacks mean to you. The sense of helplessness engendered by the attacks can be acknowledged and responded to by thinking of something you can do. Contact loved ones in endangered areas, seek information, offer to help donate blood, organize meetings, provide emotional support to others who may be even more affected. At times like this we take great comfort in our emotional resources friends, family, and community.

In the immediate aftermath of such tragedy, take time to come to terms with it: think and feel it through, and feel a part of a community of people who are doing the same thing. Such an assault is designed to tear apart the fabric of our community, so weaving it back together is a healing act.

David Spiegel, M.D.
Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences
Stanford University School of Medicine
401 Quarry Road, 2325
Stanford, CA 94305-5718
PHONE 650 723-6421
FAX 650 725-3762
email: <dspiegel@stanford.edu>
Website: <PSTLab.Stanford.edu>