Terrorism and Anxiety
Months after September’s terrorist attacks, continuing threats of bioterrorism, coupled with war in Afghanistan and a declining economy, left many people experiencing feelings of fear, shock, sadness, disbelief, emotional numbness and severe anxiety. It has been several months since the attack of the Twin Towers and the Pentagon, but to many individuals–some who watched the events unfold live on television, or blocks away through their office window–it is still difficult to shake the startling images from their minds. According to many experts, the events that took place on the morning of September 11^th have had a negative affect on the mental health of thousands of Americans, one that can worsen if untreated.

The December issue of Journal of Experimental Psychology states that threatening images, like the bombings of the Twin Towers, remain in our minds longer. In another article, "Coping with Disaster–Aftermath of September 11," Dr. Anand Pandya suggests that persons who have experienced traumatic experiences in the past, or who suffer with depression, may find it more difficult to cope with the events of September 11^th and may develop PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). This disorder includes symptoms such as recollecting the event during the day or through nightmares, depression or substance abuse. Also, not all people respond immediately to trauma.

"September 11^th shook up people in business," says psychiatrist Brian Doyle in the December 12^th issue of the Washington Post. A post-attack study by the Pew Research Center  shows that depression is now the number one rising medical cost among American employees, and employer’s cost for absenteeism and/or reduced productivity is due to depression. In addition, more than half of Americans are experiencing symptoms of clinical depression and anxiety.

Understanding Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety is the body’s normal response to the existence of possible danger or life issues that need to be addressed. Although anxiety is normal, experiencing too much anxiety too often is unhealthy and can lead an individual to avoid certain situations, or become immobilized in his or her attempt to handle everyday tasks. The causes of anxiety disorders may be neurological, psychological or psychiatric in nature.

Since the bombings on September 11^th many people have experienced long-term jitters when it comes to doing normal activities like riding the trains. In other cases, some individuals have been unable to, in fear of another terrorist attack.

Two common symptoms associated with anxiety disorders are panic attacks and agoraphobia. Some symptoms experienced during a panic attack include:

• Sweating
• Pounding heart
• Choking feeling
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Fear of dying
• Chills or hot flashes
• Shortness of breath
• Trembling or shaking

Such symptoms are usually experienced quickly, four or more at a time, reaching a peak in approximately 10 minutes or less.

Agoraphobia is defined as the fear of spaces, particularly spaces in which an individual has experienced recurring panic attacks. So, in the instance with the individual who has recurring panicky feelings on a train or in New York City, due to fear of another terrorist attack, he or she may develop agoraphobia of those areas–avoiding shopping, eating or working in New York City.

Everyone who has experienced a panic attack will not develop an anxiety disorder, but it is important to be evaluated if symptoms have been recurring for a long period of time. "If you are still suffering immensely 3 to 6 months after the initial terrorist attack, consider psychiatric or psychological treatment...," says Dennis J. Gersten, M.D.

An untreated anxiety disorder can turn into a (PD) Panic Disorder. With panic disorders an individual conditions him/herself so that they so that he/she experiences anxiety attacks in the absence of danger or external threat. Three to six million Americans suffer from panic disorder, at a 2 to 1 female to male ratio. PD also most commonly begins in young adulthood. So, it is not surprising that younger Americans seemed to be more distressed by the attacks on September 11^th through repeated thoughts of the event, feelings of panic, or nightmares.

Coping with Anxiety
Anxiety is a normal part of life. When one has experienced a traumatic event, like  viewing the bombing and collapse of the Twin Towers, however, serious mental issues may arise.

Thousands of loved ones died in the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Only time will tell whether and how easily different family members, friends, neighbors or television viewers of the victims can shake off the impacts of such events. Or, if these events simply magnify pre-existing stress in the life of an individual, bringing on anxiety disorders that are associated with symptoms like alcoholism and depression. Open conversation about the mental health of Americans must be encouraged and continued even months after the occurrence of a an event like the September 11 terrorist attacks.

For further help, and continuing conversation on this topic, go to www.paniccure.com. This site has a link to getting guidance and support if you or someone you know may have an anxiety disorder.