Psychological Problems After 9/11
Accidents and misfortunes happen all over the world, daily. Some are minor events which shape the attitudes and personalities of only the individuals involved. An example of this would be the teenager who got his first traffic violation for going over the speed limit; he just learned the value of following the law and that every action has a consequence. As you can see this event was minor and just affected him directly. On the other hand, some events are catastrophic and can change millions of lives worldwide; like the attacks to the RMS Lusitania by Germans or the attacks of 9/11. As you read, we are going to recall those events, explore the opinions and thoughts of witnesses and survivors, as well as compare their similarities and differences. We will also compare the psychology effects on the population; not only the people directly involved but also the ones who watched them worldwide.
Some of the major psychological problems that are encountered post-disasters are, but not limited to: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), paranoia, anxiety, aggressive behavior, guilt, sense of security was in jeopardy, phobias, depression, levels of patriotism and religion were elevated, among others. PTSD is defined as “an anxiety disorder associated with serious traumatic events and characterized by such symptoms as survivor guilt, reliving the trauma in dreams, numbness and lack of involvement with reality, or recurrent thoughts and images.” (Ciechanowski, 2009). We often mistake PTSD and emotional problems as exclusive for our soldiers, when the reality is that anyone can be affected if expose to a traumatic event. Take note on how you will see evidence of these reactions as part of the aftermath of both tragic incidents.
The Lusitania was a grand ship built by the British on 1907, and once described as the fastest and most powerful cruiser in the world. The ship was funded by the British Government, so they could use it in times of war if needed. When World War I
Some of the major psychological problems that are encountered post-disasters are, but not limited to: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), paranoia, anxiety, aggressive behavior, guilt, sense of security was in jeopardy, phobias, depression, levels of patriotism and religion were elevated, among others. PTSD is defined as “an anxiety disorder associated with serious traumatic events and characterized by such symptoms as survivor guilt, reliving the trauma in dreams, numbness and lack of involvement with reality, or recurrent thoughts and images.” (Ciechanowski, 2009). We often mistake PTSD and emotional problems as exclusive for our soldiers, when the reality is that anyone can be affected if expose to a traumatic event. Take note on how you will see evidence of these reactions as part of the aftermath of both tragic incidents.
The Lusitania was a grand ship built by the British on 1907, and once described as the fastest and most powerful cruiser in the world. The ship was funded by the British Government, so they could use it in times of war if needed. When World War I
References: Ciechanowski, P. (2009). Overview of post-traumatic disorder. Retrieved from http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html Diary of Lusitania “Survivor” Hamilton, W. (2004). Bush Began to Plan War Three Months After 9/11. Retrieved from http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A17347-2004Apr16.html Kantor, M The Lusitania Disaster – An Overview. (2010). Retrieved from Course Materials. The Lusitania Disaster – Public Reaction. (2010). Retrieved from Course Materials. Patriotism. (2010). Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. Retrieved from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patriotism Pyszczynski, T., Solomon, S Schmidt, S. (2004). 1998 Memo Cited Suspected Hijack Plot by Bin Laden. Retrieved from http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A58615-2004Jul17.html Simpson, C Sutherland, J. (2003). Nowhere has post-9/11 paranoia struck more deeply than in American universities. Just ask Ali. Retrieved from http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2003/sep/01/highereducation.uk