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Coping With War and Terrorism

The staff at the Counseling and Career Development Center is available to help the Georgia Southern community manage the stress and anxiety associated with war and terrorism. If you or your group needs consultation, support, outreach programming, or anything else, please give us a call at 478-5541.

The following articles from the National Mental Health Association may be useful towards understanding your own reactions to current events. We have also provided links to a variety of other articles and resources at the end of the article.

Understanding Your Mental Health In Times of War and Terrorism

From the National Mental Health Association

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 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 have difficulty managing your feelings during times of war, threat of terrorism or traumatic events. Many people will experience such symptoms as:

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 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 taking pleasure in activities once enjoyed
• Having thoughts of death or suicide

If you are experiencing these symptoms, please speak with someone at the Counseling Center.

Tips for Coping

• 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, please speak with someone at the Counseling and Career Development Center.
  

Source: The National Mental Health Association

The following articles and resources are provided for your information. If you would find it useful to have additional information available on this page, please contact us at the Counseling and Career Development Center.

Articles and Resources

I'm at School, My Friend's at War (David Onestak, Ph.D.)
As we approach what seems to be an almost certain conflict with Iraq, an increasing number of students approach me with their concerns about high school and college friends who have been (or may soon be) deployed for military service. These students, like the young adults of previous war-time generations, express feelings commonly associated with the trauma of military deployment (e.g., fear, anxiety, sadness, anger, etc.), with particular apprehension about what they will experience if actual combat occurs. More...

Coping with Disaster: Tips for College Students (NMHA)
For many college students, the horrific Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in New York City and Washington, D.C., mark the first major national catastrophe they have ever experienced. In the aftermath of the attacks, students across the country may feel uncertain about a future they had just begun to carefully map out. Some may have suffered the loss of parents, relatives or friends. Others may wonder how our nation's response to the attacks will involve them. Nobody is unaffected. More...

Terrorism-Preparing for the Unexpected (ARC)
Devastating acts, such as the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, have left many concerned about the possibility of future incidents in the United States and their potential impact. They have raised uncertainty about what might happen next, increasing stress levels. Nevertheless, there are things you can do to prepare for the unexpected and reduce the stress that you may feel now and later should another emergency arise. More...

How Do I Deal With My Feelings? (ARC)
Disasters create an abrupt change in reality. Following the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, for thousands and thousands of people, reality now includes the loss of loved onesÑspouses, significant others, children, other relatives, friends, and neighbors. This brochure covers how to deal with feelings of loss, anger, and gives tips on how to recover. More...

U.S. Department of Homeland Security
http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/

Federal Emergency Management Agency
http://www.fema.gov/

Whitehouse: Homeland Security
http://www.whitehouse.gov/homeland/

American Red Cross
http://www.redcross.org/

National Mental Health Association
http://www.nmha.org/