The American Counseling Association, its 18 divisions and 56 branches are concerned about the emotional and psychological impacts of the impending war with Iraq and other sudden trauma-inducing events such as terrorist attacks on New York City and the Pentagon. To help individuals cope with these uncertain times, we offer the following information, which is equally helpful for individuals facing other emotional crises in their lives.

The American Counseling Association recommends 5 ways that you can cope after a crisis situation.

1. Recognize your own feelings about the situation and talk to others about your fears. Know that these feelings are a normal response to an abnormal situation.

2. Be willing to listen to family and friends who have been affected and encourage them to seek counseling if necessary.

3. Be patient with people; fuses are short when dealing with crises and others may be feeling as much stress as you.

4. Recognize normal crisis reactions, such as sleep disturbances and nightmares, withdrawal, reverting to childhood behaviors and trouble focusing on work or school.

5. Take time with your children, spouse, life partner, friends and co-workers to do something you enjoy.

Founded in 1952, the American Counseling Association is the world’s largest private, non-profit organization for professional counselors. Dedicated to promoting public confidence and trust in the counseling profession, the American Counseling Association serves nearly 55,000 members in the United States and 50 other countries by providing leadership training, continuing education and advocacy services.

ACA fact sheets may be reprinted with attribution.

– American Counseling Association