More than 3,000 survivors of the World Trade Center attacks experience long-term post-traumatic stress disorder: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"
My family and friends were in NY that day, although not at the WTC. The effects were felt all over NYC though for a long time. Both on 9/11 and the day after Brooklyn seemed to be under a snowfall, except the "snow" was burned papers and who knows what else that settled softly on every surface under a brown hazy sky.
One friend was on his way to work in the World Financial Center, intending to cut through the WTC on the way. The second plane whizzed in right over his head and then made it's fatal impact.
A patient of mine was a police officer and said what was happening on the ground was just as bad and not reported so much. People walking around dazed and half dead after having been engulfed by a fireball. People being sliced in half by falling glass windows.
As much as this attack is etched in all of our minds, so much more so on those who survived at the site. There is no way to erase the memory of what happened, but this is a good opportunity to discuss how to increase our ability to handle stress.
The WTC survivors deserve a special standing on being exposed to stress, but many of us in today's society seem to be exposed to stressors from many different sources.
One method that is helpful is to have a seat in a comfortable place. Place one hand over the forehead and simply sit in a relaxed position. Let your shoulders roll forward and relax. Close your eyes and take a long deep breathe. Think about what is causing your stress and then try to see yourself in the situation you would like to be in. Do this for a few minutes or as long as you need. If you want added benefit try inhaling Frankincense oil from Ethiopia while you do this. When the aroma reaches the olfactory bulb the brain produces powerful anti-stress/anxiety natural medications. You can find it in most any health food store. I get mine from an online company.
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