Dealing with Trauma and Tragedy

What You Can Do for Yourself

A trauma or tragedy like September 11 and its anniversary can be a shock to your whole system. Taking care of yourself is key to managing the physical and emotional symptoms that usually accompany life-changing events and the reminders of them. You can start by incorporating the ideas below into your daily life:

• Eat well-balanced and regular meals, even if you don't feel like it. Good nutrition is very important when you're under stress.


• Get plenty of rest.


• Exercise regularly. It can help work off some physical stress symptoms, leaving you feeling calmer and better able to relax. If you're feeling lethargic it can help energize you and clear your mind.


• Avoid caffeine, especially if you're having trouble sleeping.


• Avoid the use of drugs or alcohol, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs to numb the pain. It will only complicate or delay your recovery.


• Structure your time and set priorities. Maintain your basic normal routine, but give yourself permission to skip the extras for a while.


• Don't make any major life changes or decisions.


• Do make as many small daily decisions as possible to reassert your sense of control.


• Don't try to avoid or deny reoccurring thoughts or feelings about the incident. They are normal and will decrease over time.


• Give yourself permission to feel rotten and to share your feelings with others.


• Do things that you enjoy. Take mini-breaks: go out to dinner, take 10 minutes alone, watch a movie.


• Talk with people you trust: your family, friends, coworkers. Don't be afraid to reach out. People do care.


• Don't be afraid to set limits with others when you don't feel like talking. You don't have to discuss the incident or your feelings when you don't want to.


• Don't label yourself as crazy. Remind yourself you're having normal reactions.


• Write down your thoughts and feelings. This can be especially helpful if you're having trouble sleeping or when you wake from a troubling dream.

Ask for help if you need it. It's important to take care of yourself to effectively help others. If you are having trouble coping on your own, help is available from many sources:

• Professional assistance from a counselor may sometimes be necessary. This does not imply weakness or craziness. It simply acknowledges that the particular event was just too powerful to handle by yourself.


• In the workplace you may be able to get assistance from your coworkers, the human resources department or the Employee Assistance Program.


• Church, family, friends and other community resources can be valuable sources of support.

Remember that Working Solutions has a virtual library full of information on these and other topics...go to their site, and "Read Articles" for the topics that best suit your situation. Call them anytime at 800-358-8515 to talk with someone.

Working Solutions is available to you through the Union-led Benefits Trust.