NEWS RELEASE

Contact: David West (west@alpha.nsula.edu )
News Bureau
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6466

9/21/2001

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATCHITOCHES - Millions of people who witnessed the Sept. 11 terrorist attack on New York City and Washington D.C. on television felt the same emotions, shock, denial, anger or even some physical reactions. Those feelings are normal reactions after such an event, according to Rebecca Boone, director of Counseling and Career Services at Northwestern State University.

"The problem is when those emotions persist longer than a month or so depending on the circumstances," said Boone. "Those who lost a friend or loved one would have a different response. Different people are affected in different ways."

According to a survey released by the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press this week, seven in 10 Americans say they have been depressed since the terrorist attacks last Tuesday. Nearly half say they have trouble concentrating and about one-third are having trouble sleeping.

A number of reactions can be termed part of a trauma response after a catastrophic event which could also include disbelief, fear and anxiety, feelings of panic, helplessness and betrayal, difficulty trusting, emotional numbing, depression or grief.

Boone said individuals could also feel a desire to withdraw from others, problems with concentration, shame, feelings of unreality or detachment, diminished interest in activities, loss of a sense of order or fairness in the world, an expectation of doom or fear of the future. These symptoms are normal reactions to abnormal events she said.

There could also be some physical reactions including headaches, sudden sweating, heart palpitations, changes in sleep or eating patterns, loss of interest in sex, tendency to startle easily and suppressed immune system responses.

According to Boone, the attacks have had a larger impact on more people because of the wall-to-wall coverage of the event.

"People have seen the events happen instantly," said Boone. "Television has brought the tragedy to us first-hand and some of the pictures have been shown over and over again."

The reactions to the disaster may be stronger in those who have had limited exposure to actual violence, Boone said.

"People who have a sensitive nature and/or have suffered a previous trauma in their lives may find that this event brought up a lot of feelings that they need to deal with and work through," she said. "This wasn't something that affected just those in the New York area, Washington D.C. or Pennsylvania. It impacted people everywhere."

Boone recommended a number of things individuals could do to help themselves including spending time with friends and loved ones, talking about the traumatic event
and prayer or meditation. She also suggested maintaining a balanced diet and sleep cycle
humor, journal writing about events and feelings or seeking support from others.

Even simple things like hugs, e-mail, phone calls to loved ones, aerobic exercise, jogging, walking, yoga, stretching and massage could be helpful along with reducing the use of alcohol and drugs, caffeine or nicotine.

"Getting back to a schedule and maintaining a routine is important," said Boone. "Even if you don't feel like going to class or work, you have to 'fake it until you make it' until you feel normal again."

Boone emphasized the importance of getting counseling if normal feelings do not return after about a month. She suggested seeking out a minister or professional counselor to seek assistance.

The Office of Counseling and Career Services is available to assist NSU students on a confidential basis. Services are also available to Northwestern faculty and staff and their children depending on the availability of staff. For more information, call (318) 357-5621.

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