(an article written after the events of 9/11/01)
The recent tragedy has, in many respects, created a paradox. On the one hand, the fabric of our society has been ripped, while at the same time, we can go through a day with business as usual. My day yesterday seemed normal until I heard an airplane. I looked up and felt a twinge in my body. I looked away. What was that all about? I looked at the airplane and as I allowed my eyes to settle on it, I was flooded with emotions as I flashed on the scene in New York. Those emotions were lying just below the surface – waiting for a trigger.
For many, emotions may not show themselves completely. There may be some sadness or anger, but like an iceberg, much will stay hidden just below the surface of awareness. This may be our way of defending against uncomfortable feelings – by not noticing them. Or it may be due to the incalculable magnitude of the event. In a sense, we can be aware of just so much turmoil and pain.
There are two potential results of this:
1. We may feel guilt because we don’t fully feel the grief
2. The emotions are not dealt with because they aren’t fully noticed or accepted
There are frequently occurring patterns in behavior, mood and even physical symptoms that can be expected. An initial indication that all is not the same will be fatigue, physical tension, restlessness or difficulty sleeping. These are all signs that one’s defenses – the stress response – has been activated. It is also the result of the bracing required to hold in emotions. Furthermore, under the circumstances, this response would be chronic, or ongoing.
Emotional consequences of this catastrophe will include the triggering or intensification of depression and anxiety. Those already experiencing anxiety will become more uncomfortable and may want to further constrict their range of activities. Emotions in general may be heightened, so that we may find ourselves over-reacting to many situations. We may be having more arguments and are more irritable. We may feel more confused, sad, or hopeless, and less able to handle life.
The recent tragedy can damage one’s psychological defense structure – where current life strategies are no longer seen as insuring safety. For some, the inadequacy of defense mechanisms may trigger aspects of old traumas and emotional pain or deeper levels of insecurity.
The most important part is to understand that what you may be going through is normal. This includes all the emotions that you are experiencing. In our culture we want to quickly get rid of pesky emotions; typically with medication if we are unable to ignore them. We should be able to accept and not be ashamed of our feelings. In fact, experiencing the impact of this tragedy is part of the mourning process and necessary for healing.
A process has been set in motion with the events of September 11. Every one of our bodies has been assaulted: if not physically – emotionally. It is time to enter a healing process. It is a good idea to discuss with friends and relatives how you are managing, without the thought of a “quick fix”.
Finally, in times of turmoil and chaos, there are actually opportunities for emotional growth. The very primal mechanisms that are tapped into can be used to gain a sense of strength. This new found strength can then be used to overcome obstacles or old encrusted behavioral and emotional patterns. It is as if the world is shaken up. There is thus the opportunity for life to be reordered on a higher level. We can ultimately use this experience for personal and community enhancement.