Fauquier County

Understanding Your Mental Health In Times of War and Terrorism

Facing a new war and the continuing terrorist threat, Americans are experiencing many powerful emotions. For most people, the intense feelings of anxiety, sadness, grief and anger are healthy and appropriate. But some people may have a more more profound and debilitating reaction to the war.

It is important to remember that everyone reacts differently to trauma and each person has his or her own tolerance level for difficult feelings. To cope with these emotions, there are some things you can do for yourself and others. Experts say that remaining engaged in our world, staying connected with people, and being optimistic about the challenges ahead are key to riding through otherwise traumatic times. In fact, in times of turmoil, people can make changes that improve their lives and life satisfaction.

Knowing what is a normal response to an abnormal situation, and what signs might indicate you have a more serious problem, will help you determine if and when to seek help from a mental health professional.

Common Responses

It is common to experience have difficulty in managing your feelings during times of war, threat of terrorism or traumatic events such as the attacks on September 11^th. Many people will experience such symptoms as. Common responses include:

• Disbelief and shock
• Fear and anxiety about the future
• Disorientation; difficulty making decisions or concentrating
• Inability to focus
• Apathy and emotional numbing
• Irritability and anger
• Sadness and depression
• Feeling powerless
• Extreme changes in eating patterns; loss of appetite or overeating
• Crying for "no apparent reason"
• Headaches and stomach problems
• Difficulty sleeping
• Excessive use of alcohol and drugs

Signs to Seek Help

When feelings do not go away or are so intense that they impair your ability to function in daily life, you are facing a more serious problem that may have a diagnosable disorder that requires mental healthcare. There are signs that can help you determine whether you are having a normal reaction to our nation’s crisis or if you’re experiencing a mental health problem. These signs include:

• Nightmares and reoccurring thoughts about war or a traumatic event
• Being unable to stop thinking about the war or a traumatic event
• Avoiding thoughts, feelings or conversations that remind you of a traumatic event
• Avoiding places or people that remind you of a traumatic event
• Having a sense of a foreshortened future
• Continued difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• Feeling jumpy or easily startled
• Being overly concerned about safety
• Feeling guilty, worthless or hopeless
• Not longer taking pleasure in activities once enjoyed
• Having thoughts of death or suicide

If you are experiencing these symptoms, talking with a mental health professional or taking a mental health screening test can help you understand how well you are coping. Take that step and get help.

Tips for Coping

Here are some tips for coping in these difficult times:

• Talk about it. By talking with others, you can relieve stress and realize that others share your feelings.
• Take care of yourself. Get plenty of rest and exercise, avoid excessive drinking and eat properly. Avoid foods that are high in calories and fat.
• Limit exposure to images of the war. Especially avoid television news programs.
• Do something positive. Give blood, prepare "care packages" for people in the military, write letters to service men and women. Whether you support or oppose the war, write letters to elected officials, take part in community meetings, etc.
• Ask for help. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. Talk with a trusted relative, friend or spiritual advisor. If you want professional help, obtain a referral for services from the Mental Health Association of Fauquier County, 540-341-8732, or Mental Health America at 800-969-NMHA (6642).

Mental Health America has several resources available to help you and others cope with our ongoing national crisis, including fact sheets on post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, coping with loss, helping children handle war, and other topics.  To obtain this information, visit their Web site at www.nmha.org or call their toll-free line 800-969-NMHA (6642).