The first anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks may spur a resurgence of depression and anxiety for some, but it also offers Americans the opportunity to reflect on our resiliency.
Florida State University Professor Charles Figley, who has received international recognition for his work in the area of traumatology and compassion fatigue, said most Americans were feeling back to normal a few months after the terrorist attacks. Keeping that in mind is a positive way to cope with the coming anniversary.
"Too frequently we look up the mountain and see how far we have yet to go; we never look down and recognize how far we've come," Figley said. "We need to help those people who need a hand but also learn from those individuals who are doing well."
Those who were directly affected or had difficulty coping in the aftermath of Sept. 11 may be particularly susceptible to the "anniversary effect" phenomenon, Figley said.
"For those who lost loved ones, they have had a terrible, terrible, terrible year, but they may be able to recognize how much better they are doing now," Figley said. "Others may be able to put their expected sadness in perspective by celebrating how we've sprung back and how we've come together as a country. We need to appreciate the success stories."
As the anniversary approaches, those who are dependent on others for their protection -- the very young or very old -- also may be particularly vulnerable to a resurgence of symptoms. In addition, war veterans, adult survivors of abuse and those who have suffered post-traumatic stress disorder tend to be more reactive.
Figley is the founder of Green Cross Projects, a group of 150 trained and licensed traumatologists that he formed in the wake of the Oklahoma City bombings to help in times of disaster. He and members of the group spent several weeks last fall counseling employees who worked in the World Trade Center.
Figley will return to New York City on Sept. 11 for the first annual Green Cross Foundation conference in recognition of the events of that day.
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