Out of the Ashes

As a resident of a NYC suburb--and as an American-I am still reeling from the disasterous events of Tuesday morning.  As a mother, my first reaction was to collect my kids from school and buy groceries.  I then checked in on all my immediate family members -- miraculously, all were safe.  I cannot say the same for all of my friends and their loved ones.  My heart goes out to all of those affected, directly and indirectly. Words cannot express the depth of loss we experienced as a nation this week. 

While I mourn for those who have passed, I worry about those who have been left behind.  In a tragedy such as this, profound grief and sadness are normal and understandable.  However, we must be aware that there are many among us who will need medical attention as a result.  There is no disease that has a more devastating impact than the impact of hatred.  In addition to the physical wounds suffered by many who were near the World Trade Center or the Pentagon, stress, depression, anxiety disorders and post traumatic stress disorder will affect many whether or not they were in the vicinity of the attack and whether or not they knew anyone who was directly impacted.  

If your sadness and grief are affecting your abilities to conduct your normal activities of daily living, please consult your health care provider.  For more information on depression, click here.  For more information on anxiety disorders, click here.  For more information on post traumatic stress disorder, click here. For more information on sleep disturbances, click here.  For more information on headaches, click here.   For more information on how to talk with your children about this situation visit www.DrGreene.com.

I am heartened by the inspiring reports of the number of blood donors and all other volunteers.  Remember that the need for blood and all other donations will be increased for the next several weeks.  While there is great uncertainty about how events will unfold over the short term, I have absolute certainty that our nation will pull together as a united people to fight against the disease of terrorism in our backyards and abroad.

Created: 9/15/2001  -  Donnica Moore, M.D.