The Normal Abnormal

People often feel they must be crazy to continue feeling bothered by theevents of September 11. Yet trauma is unforgettable. It is normal to be bothered, months or even years later. Symptoms will be evoked in almost everyone. Indeed, as concentration-camp survivor Viktor Frankl has said, "An abnormal reaction to an abnormal situation is normal behavior." Therefore, to react "normally" to the horrific acts of September 11 is abnormal.

Expectable Reactions:

1. Immersion in media coverage: Dwelling on events to the point that it interferes with everyday life.

2. Avoidance or minimization: Carrying on with life as if nothing out of the ordinary has happened.

3. Task and activity-oriented tunnel vision: Focusing on daily tasks and remaining detached from feelings and intrusive thoughts.

4. Resurgence of memories: New pain triggers pain from past trauma.

5. Inappropriate behaviors and attitudes: Trauma can bring out the worst-price gouging, tasteless humor about recent events.

6. Hyperreactivity, intolerance: Reacting negatively to the behaviors and attitudes of people who are going on with life as usual.

7. Preoccupation with what happened and what might happen: Fear of environmental dangers, loss of sense of safety.

8. Marked emotionality: Crying, disturbance of sleep, irritability, sadness, anxiety, grief, rage, fear, nausea, guilt, change in appetite, feelings of helplessness or pessimism.

9. Racist stereotyping: Tendency to dehumanize the enemy.

10. Feeling blessed or cursed: Belief in a higher power is typically affected.

Strategies for Coping:

There are simple strategies to get back on track: Rest, exercise, eat a healthy diet, prioritize what is important. Here are a few more suggestions specific to recovery:

1. Get back to everyday routines: Find a balance between reflection and introspection versus routines and activities.

2. Remember what worked before: There is no need for new strategies; do things you normally enjoy.

3. Reassess priorities: Dedicate attention to what is most important.

4. What lessons have you learned? Engage n constructive discussion by talking, writing and speaking about it.

6. Balance: Keep up with current events yet pay attention to yourself.

7. Find positives in the negatives: For every negative aspect there is a potential positive corollary. For example, after September 11 came a sense of caring. By helping others you will reinforce your own self-esteem.

Ray Monsour Scurfield, D.S.W., L.C.S.W., is an assistant professor of social work at the University of Southern Mississippi.