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Posted on 10/11/2001 7:01:42 AM PDT by TLBSHOW

Tipper Gore on Depression After Attacks

Since the Sept. 11 attacks, 36 percent of American adults say their mental health has worsened, a new poll says.

Since the Sept. 11 attacks, 36 percent of American adults say their mental health has worsened and 38 percent say they have been unable to stop thinking about the day terrorists struck, a new poll says.

Nearly half of Americans surveyed — 44 percent — say the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon (news - web sites) one month ago had no impact on their mental health.

But 73 percent say they have felt "general sadness" because of the attacks, one in four say they've been unable to concentrate at work, and one in five have been either anxious and panicky or listless and lacking energy, according to the new poll, released Wednesday by Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research in Washington. The results are based on a survey of 1,010 adults between Sept. 26 and Oct. 2.

One in 10 respondents said they have had nightmares or dreams featuring planes or explosions.

How to Get Help

Despite these reactions, only 3 percent said they planned on seeking help from a mental health professional to better deal with their responses to the attack. Mental health advocates are trying to spread the word on how to seek help.

Tipper Gore, honorary chair of the National Mental Health Awareness Campaign, appeared on Good Morning America to encourage people to seek mental health services on National Depression Screening Day on Thursday. Her appearance, which was scheduled before Sept. 11, happened to fall on the one-month anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

For some, grief over the attacks may turn to depression, and anxiety may worsen and become acute stress disorder, Gore said. On Thursday, there will be more than 2,000 free mental health screening sites at hospitals, health centers, colleges, senior centers, shopping malls and mental health clinics across the nation.

Those interested in attending a free and confidential screening can locate a site in their area by calling 1-800-520-NDSD or by going to www.mentalhealthscreening.org.

Participants hear an educational presentation, complete the screening forms, and then meet with a clinician to find out what their next step should be. Because of the events of Sept. 11, this year's screening day will also have a special emphasis on post-traumatic stress disorder and its precursor, acute stress disorder.

Degrees of Depression

In the immediate wake of the attacks, many people were depressed, but for most it was situational depression triggered by the tragedy, Gore said. Others who were already clinically depressed might see their condition worsen, and they, in particular, should be aware of the need to see a doctor.

The same is true for those who experience acute stress disorder, which goes beyond general depression to include feelings of panic, anxiety and ongoing nightmares. At its extreme, people suffering from this disorder will stop eating, or eat more, and not want to leave their homes, Gore said.

Post-traumatic stress disorder is more rare than the other types of disorders. Those who watched the events on television would not be likely to succumb to it, but firefighters and rescue workers and people who escaped the attacked buildings are prime candidates. Ideally, they should see mental health professionals for screening, but even talking to friends and family can help, Gore said.

As a general rule: the longer the signs last, the more serious they are; the more they interfere with daily life, the greater the chance that professional treatment is needed. When dealing with mental health or emotional problems, it's important not to go at it alone, Gore said.

The first step is to reach out to people you trust and can turn to for support. They can help provide comfort, concern, and if needed encourage you to seek treatment and help arrange for it.

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