Counseling Services: Drawing on Your Faith to Cope with War
and Terrorism
Faced with the war with Iraq and the threat of terrorist attacks
at home, Americans of every religious and spiritual tradition are
wondering how best to move forward with their lives. In times of
crisis, people often look to their faith for support and guidance
in coping with the emotional and spiritual impact.
Each person reacts differently in a crisis and a range of responses
are to be expected. These responses can appear immediately or sometimes
develop months later. Here is a list of common emotional and physical
responses to a crisis:
- Disbelief and shock
- Disorientation; difficulty making decisions or concentrating
- Inability to focus on schoolwork and extracurricular activities
- Apathy and emotional numbing
- Sadness and depression
- Fear and anxiety about the future
- Intrusive thoughts; replaying events in our minds
- Excessive worry about safety and vulnerability; feeling powerless
- Crying for "no apparent reason"
- Irritability and anger
- Headaches and stomach problems
- Difficulty sleeping
- Extreme changes in eating patterns; loss of appetite or overeating
- Excessive use of alcohol or drugs
For many people, war not only challenges their emotional and physical
sense of well being, but also their spirituality. As a result, many
Americans will turn to their faith through prayer and meditation
to try to cope with their feelings and seek support, reassurance
and understanding in this time of crisis.
While some people find solace in their faith, others may be troubled
by questions and doubts. They may have difficulty sorting out the
ambiguities of life and faith. What is important to remember is
that trust, hope and strength are the most essential elements of
all faiths.
Tips for People of Faith
- Reflect. Reflect on ways to achieve peace,
and to support our service men and women, and those with loved
ones in the military.
- Connect. Spend more time with family, friends, and members
of your house of worship. Reach out to others for strength and
support. Draw strength from your faith.
- Talk. By talking with others, you'll relieve anxiety and
realize that others are having similar feelings and reactions.
Talk with a friend, family member, doctor, religious or spiritual
advisor, mental health professional, or anyone with whom you feel
comfortable. Encourage those you care about, especially children,
to do the same.
- Act. Engage in positive activities for your
spirit, mind and body. Candlelight vigils and prayer groups are
good ways to encourage togetherness and reassurance. Consider
doing things for others. Contact community volunteer organizations
to see how you can help. You may want to organize activities,
such as blood drives, creating "care packages for service men
and women or writing letters to people in the military.
- Get help. For most people, the fear and anxiety
will end when peace is declared. But some people may have trouble
getting back to their usual routines and normal feelings. Anyone
who is troubled for longer than four to six weeks should seek
professional help. People with existing mental health issues and
those who have suffered past trauma may also want to check in
with a mental healthcare provider.
For further help, talk with your minister, rabbi, priest, imam
or other spiritual advisor. You can also call your local Mental
Health Association or the National Mental Health Association at
800-969-NMHA, or at www.nmha.org.
Pastoral counselors are another resource. They are certified mental
health professionals who have in-depth religious or theological
training. Call 800-225-5603 for a referral to a Certified Pastoral
Counselor in your area or visit www.aapc.org.
For more information, contact your local Mental Health Association,
or the National Mental Health Association at 800-969-NMHA (6642)
or www.nmha.org.
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