Managing Stress, Terrorism and the Unknown

We are dealing with stressful times. News accounts of impending conflicts and possible violence here and around the world is unsettling. Warnings have us preparing for the worst. Visit any hardware store and you will note that you can’t find a roll of duct tape if you tried.

For most of us dealing with this level of stress is a daily manageable event. While we are unsure of what tomorrow will bring, we are able to go about our business with little distraction. It is normal to be concerned and at times frightened. However, the goal of terrorism is to make us change our lives and divert us from our every day activities. To gain as much control over our own fears, each of us need to be as prepared as possible, without becoming paralyzed with fear.

Those of use who are dealing with a pre-existing illness, be it a mental illness or other medical illness, may find these stressful times even more challenging. Stress can have a negative effect on persons who are dealing with a long time illness, and the stress may bring a flare-up in symptoms. In addition, long term stress can lower the efficiency one’s immune system. Be aware of this, and take extra care of yourself during these stressful times. Understand that a flare up of symptoms may be related to the stress you may be experiencing. Looking for additional ways to reduce your stress can have a positive affect on your health. Talk about your concerns to trusted family members and friends, your doctor, or speak to an Employee Assistance Counselor (800)-626-0385, in the event you are having problems managing your stress.

The more people feel in control, the less anxious people tend to feel. To this end one needs to be prepared. Listen to the news a couple of times a day, but avoid excessive monitoring of the TV and radio. Store enough water and food at work and home to last you about three days. At work you might include a supply dry goods found in any grocery store or camping store, flash light, personal medications, toiletries, and a battery operated AM/FM radio. Be sure to have a change of clothes, comfortable walking shoes and outdoor gear to match the weather. You might also include bringing in a sleeping bag in the event you might have to stay overnight at work. Talk to your children and listen to their concerns and attempt to address their fears. They too need to feel you and they are in control. Visit the FEMA for kids homepage for additional ideas and informaiton and the DOJ Employee Information Services - Emergency Preparedness Web page.

Have a family plan that includes pre-identified meeting places. Find alternative persons to pick up your children from day care, in the event you cannot leave your office at your normal departure time. Give each family member a list of all land lines, cell phones, email and pager phone numbers shared by your family. Develop an emerency communications plan with your family in case local phone lines are overloaded. Pick a relative out of state to communicate messages through. It is also a good idea to exchange email addresses with this person as well. When the phone lines are down, email can be the only way to communicate. Make sure everyone knows the plan.

In the event you are near a site where it has been observed or reported that chemical, biological or radiological contaminants have been released, follow the instructions and orders that emergency responders provide and/or seek shelter immediately. If you are outside, attempt to get out of the path of any down-wind exposure by moving perpendicular to the direction of the wind. Cover your face with any available material to act as a filter. Seek shelter as soon as you can.

In the event that you feel it necessary to retreat to a inner room and cover all vents, windows and doorways with plastic, remember that sealed rooms may have a limited number of hours of breathable air before the carbon dioxide levels may become toxic to those in the room. The amount of breathable air over time is dependent upon how well the room is sealed, the square footage of the room and the number of people in the room. Also, if you are using a portable heater in the sealed room, you may use up your breathable air quicker and may be releasing unhealthy gases into the sealed space. For additional advice visit the FEMA web page or the new JMD web site.

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