The 9-11 Healing & Remembrance Program's
Six Suggestions As We Approach the Tenth Anniversary of 9-11
For many people, anniversaries, holidays and other special days
can remind them of the impact a disaster such as 9-11 has had on
their lives. As we approach the tenth anniversary, the 9-11 Healing
and Remembrance program has suggestions to help people understand
their feelings and get through what could be a challenging time for
many.
1. Be aware that
anniversaries can be difficult
9-11 was one of the most painful events in our nation's history
and the tenth anniversary may bring back difficult memories for you
and your family. Try not to be too hard on yourself; it's normal to
have these kinds of concerns. Treat yourself with the same kindness
you give to others.
2. Don't worry
if you are not experiencing any difficult feelings or emotions
Some people might feel increased emotions before the tenth
anniversary while others may not. This is normal as well. Just
remember that whatever you are feeling is okay.
3. Plan
activities in advance
It's likely to be more helpful to plan what you are going to do
(and with whom) in advance. For instance, start checking community
websites such as www.9-11healingandremembrance.org for listings
of commemorative activities in your community that might interest
you.
4. It may be
important for you to talk about how you're feeling
Everybody has a story of how 9-11 has impacted them and some
people need to talk about how their lives have changed. Find
someone who will listen and understand.
5. Do things
that might help you with overwhelming emotions
For some of us, this might involve exercise-maybe a walk or
gentle stretching. For others, it could be writing down your
thoughts or reconnecting with old friends. Talk to others you trust
to understand.
6. Do what's
best for you rather than what you think you should do
As the tenth anniversary approaches, try not to put the needs of
others before your own. Each person should spend these days in ways
that will be most helpful for them.
If you find that you're having a difficult time and that the
above tips are not enough, call the Healing and Remembrance hotline
at 1-866-212-0444. An experienced mental health professional will
be able to assist you with information about mental health
resources and other available support.
The 9-11 Healing and Remembrance program offers relatives of
9/11 victims in financial need travel assistance to 10th
anniversary events. We also offer a national, 24-hour hotline
staffed with caring, experienced mental health professionals who
can direct callers to available community resources and information
about 9-11 events. This program is funded by the U.S. Department of
Justice, Office for Victims of Crime and administered by the Mental
Health Association of New York City.
Media Contact: Martin Blair, Goodman
Media for MHA-NYC & 9-11 Healing and Remembrance
(212) 576-2700 ext. 223 / mblair@goodmanmedia.com
The 9-11 Healing & Remembrance Program's Six Suggestions As We
Approach the Tenth Anniversary of 9-11
For many people, anniversaries, holidays and other special days can
remind them of the impact a disaster such as 9-11 has had on their
lives. As we approach the tenth anniversary, the 9-11 Healing and
Remembrance program has suggestions to help people understand their
feelings and get through what could be a challenging time for
many.
1. Be aware that anniversaries can be difficult
9-11 was one of the most painful events in our nation's history and
the tenth anniversary may bring back difficult memories for you and
your family. Try not to be too hard on yourself; it's normal to
have these kinds of concerns. Treat yourself with the same kindness
you give to others.
2. Don't worry if you are not experiencing any difficult feelings
or emotions
Some people might feel increased emotions before the tenth
anniversary while others may not. This is normal as well. Just
remember that whatever you are feeling is okay.
3. Plan activities in advance
It's likely to be more helpful to plan what you are going to do
(and with whom) in advance. For instance, start checking community
websites such as www.9-11healingandremembrance.org for listings of
commemorative activities in your community that might interest
you.
4. It may be important for you to talk about how you're
feeling
Everybody has a story of how 9-11 has impacted them and some people
need to talk about how their lives have changed. Find someone
who will listen and understand.
5. Do things that might help you with overwhelming emotions
For some of us, this might involve exercise-maybe a walk or gentle
stretching. For others, it could be writing down your thoughts or
reconnecting with old friends. Talk to others you trust to
understand.
6. Do what's best for you rather than what you think you should
do
As the tenth anniversary approaches, try not to put the needs of
others before your own. Each person should spend these days in ways
that will be most helpful for them.
If you find that you're having a difficult time and that the above
tips are not enough, call the Healing and Remembrance hotline at
1-866-212-0444. An experienced mental health professional will be
able to assist you with information about mental health resources
and other available support.
The 9-11 Healing and Remembrance program offers relatives of 9/11
victims in financial need travel assistance to 10th anniversary
events. We also offer a national, 24-hour hotline staffed with
caring, experienced mental health professionals who can direct
callers to available community resources and information about 9-11
events. This program is funded by the U.S. Department of Justice,
Office for Victims of Crime and administered by the Mental Health
Association of New York City.
Media Contact: Martin Blair, Goodman Media for MHA-NYC & 9-11
Healing and Remembrance
(212) 576-2700 ext. 223 / mblair@goodmanmedia.