As a result of the cowardly-selfish act many individuals will suffer from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and possibly from a major depression and/or anxiety disorders. There is the misperception that only those people who were at the attack site will be suffering from PTSD. This is not the case. Anyone who has been watching the tragic events on tv can feel invaded, violated, vulnerable and traumatized. The symptoms of PTSD and depression can include (for both adults and kids) poor sleep, recurrent nightmares of the attack, loss of appetite, feeling tired, feeling hopeless, poor concentration, feeling more isolated, increase need/use of drugs and alcohol. If you are suffering from these symptoms you may need to see a professional therapist for help. If you are just feeling "somewhat stressed" you may want to take the following steps:

1. Shut off the tv and radio. Stop listening and seeing all the images repeated again
and again, it will just add to the trauma.

2. Seek out other people to talk to and with for comfort.

3. Say a prayer or attend a vigil to release some of the feelings

4. Try to rent movies and watch a comedy

5. Focus on the positive aspects of life and try to move on as best as you can.

6. Reach out and help someone else, help the living.

All of us will go through the phases of shock, numbness and disbelief that will turn to fear and anger and disappointment. Individuals will start to question our authorities, "Why didn't the CIA or FBI stop this?" "How can they let this happen to us?" "Are we safe?" "Who can I trust and depend on?" These are all reasonable feelings and questions. Now I want you to realize that our kids will be doing the same thing. However they may start to act out!

Part of normal adolescent development is to question authority and to develop an individual's own ideas and personality. Kids will rebel and test the limits to drive parents crazy but also to feel safe! It's a weird thing, we all hate rules but yet we love the fact that they are there because we feel safe knowing that there is someone stronger watching over us and protecting us.

Children will feel anger that is initially directed at the terrorists but will then be focused upon the government, parents and society in general for not providing a safe place to live. When kids feel vulnerable they reach out to things and activities that will give them a sense of "belonging" for safety. There is always "safety in numbers", no one wants to be alone or left out. The kids may start to use drugs again or join a group or a gang of kids that are venting their anger and frustrations. The "acting out" behavior will be an inappropriate way to deal with their fear and anger. You can help our children and community by talking to your kids honestly. Share with your kids your own fears and frustrations. Discuss the fact that we all make mistakes including the government. The important thing to remember however is to learn from our mistakes and move forward. Acting out and rebelling is a step backwards not forward. Attempt to do the things I mentioned above with your kids. Also consider ways to develop a larger supportive "family". Form a "positive gang" by uniting some of the local parents and their kids. Have a special lunch/brunch meeting/get together at the park with several other individuals. Go as a family or group to a church or community function.

We all need to feel connected and safe especially at a time of crisis. Kids need a sense of family even more so. So if you are all-alone or have little support reach out to your local support groups such as TOUGHLOVE® International, this is what we are all about! Plan a special night at the movies, bowling, dinners, exercise anything to get you and the kids out of the house and around other people.

Today I heard that Americans have donated over half a billion dollars to various relief organizations to help the families and heroes that were unfortunately devastated by the attack. It's great to see patriotism on the rise and Americans unite around a good supportive cause. I hope that we will never have to raise this money again!

Go out and do some good!!

Ron Zodkevitch, M.D.