Mental Health America Joins in Remembering Victims and
Survivors of 9/11

Resources Available to Assist with Coping,

Help Families with Young Children Answer Questions

Contact: Steve Vetzner, (703) 797-2588 or svetzner@mentalhealthamerica.net

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (September 8, 2011)—Mental Health America joins the entire country in remembering the victims and survivors of 9/11 on the tenth anniversary of the attack and encourages family members and people around the nation to take advantage of resources to assist in coping with the memories of the tragedy.

“Media coverage of the tragic events of 9/11/2001 may serve to re-traumatize individuals who were hard hit by the original event,” said David Shern, Ph.D., president and CEO of Mental Health America. “People feeling painfully anxious or depressed should take action by using one of the resources available from Mental Health America or other support organizations, talk with friends or family or seek professional help if the feelings are overwhelming.”

The Mental Health Association of New York City’s 9-11 Healing & Remembrance Program (www.9-11healingandremembrance.org/) provides information on relevant, mental health supportive resources; commemorative 10th anniversary event listings; and tips for recognizing anniversary related stress. The website offers an immediate and confidential way to access information and a 24-hour toll-free hotline (866-212-0444) is available to answer questions.

Many parents may also be thinking about ways to explain the horrific event to their children and the anniversary may also be a difficult time for others.

Mental Health America’s website has a number of resources to help provide support and perspective to those directly affected by the tragedy and the nation as a whole (http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/information/get-info/coping-with-disaster). Fact sheets offer advice and guidelines on helping individuals respond and cope with tragic events, including tips for parents on talking with their children.

People may also find volunteering a way to be with others and give back to the community.  The 9-11 Day of Service (http://911dayofservice.org/) lists thousands of volunteer opportunities, including many that are specifically related to 9-11. Their mission “is to honor the victims of 9-11 and those that rose to service in response to the attacks by encouraging all Americans and others throughout the world to pledge to voluntarily perform at least one good deed, or another service activity on 9/11 each year.”

Mental Health America (www.mentalhealthamerica.net) is the nation’s largest and oldest community-based network dedicated to helping all Americans achieve wellness by living mentally healthier lives. With our more than 300 affiliates across the country, we touch the lives of millions—Advocating for changes in mental health and wellness policy; Educating the public & providing critical information; and delivering urgently needed mental health and wellness Programs and Services.

###