One Year After

On September 11, 2001, the lives of all Americans were changed. Prior to that day, we as a nation believed that we were invulnerable. Few national events are so profound as to affect us personally and to shake the very foundation of our feeling of safety and well-being. The lives of the people lost in the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the Pennsylvania plane crash on September 11, 2001, affected all of our lives with the devastation of an attack on our homeland.

The image of the plume of smoke in each of the two World Trade Center buildings is imprinted in our minds along with the complex physical sensations and emotions we experienced as we saw the planes hit the towers repeatedly on every TV station. Even if we did not lose a family member or friend, we experienced any or all of the following reactions. We felt horrified, angry, restless, vulnerable, keyed up, perhaps sleepless, nauseated, numb, tearful, and confused.

The first anniversary of September 11th is a time for remembering and a time to value our family and the lives we live. How will you mark the day? It is a time to share something special with someone you care about or to help in a small or big way where there is a need. It is a time to remember the firefighters, police, and public service workers who gave tirelessly for days and months in the most gruesome of circumstances and to give something back to them.

It is not unusual that a year after a traumatic event you might experience the thoughts and feelings you experienced that day. It is normal to walk through the events of the day and the emotional and mental responses you had. You may feel what you felt last year, may be confused, tired, resentful, or upset. This is known as the "Anniversary Effect" and is a normal response to the memory of a trauma. Many people will worry that something awful will happen on September 11, 2002. Such anxiety is also common. No one can predict if it is realistic, but there are ways for you to take reasonable precautions and control your anxiety.

- Go about your daily schedule
- Take some time and find a special way to mark the day
- Call someone you love
- Limit your TV viewing
- Take time to relax, exercise, and eat well
- Remember
- Find a way to treat yourself
- Do something for someone else

If sad, anxious, or tense feelings persist or worsen, consult a health care professional. The University of Virginia Faculty and Employee Assistance Program Staff is available to consult with any employee or family member wanting to better cope with a trauma or struggling in the aftermath of a crisis. Please call (434) 243-2643 to set up a free, confidential appointment with an EAP counselor or for more information.

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U.Va. Alumni: In Memoriam: The University of Virginia extends its deepest sympathy to the family and friends of those who died in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Information on the Alumni Association Memorial site has been submitted by memorial organizers or family members of the victims.