Personal Strategies for Approaching the 13th Anniversary of September 11th

From Your AFA EAP

As we approach the thirteenth anniversary of September 11^th, many of us will begin to plan how we’ll recognize this day. Anniversaries offer an opportunity to acknowledge our memories and experiences, to connect with others who share in them, and to pay tribute to our individual and collective journeys. Anniversaries can also serve as personal and professional milestones of our healing and resiliency.   For some, September 11th will be marked with private personal gestures such as observing a moment of silence, spending quiet time reflecting, or dedicating our flying to our profession. For others, it will be marked with collective activities such as ceremonies and memorial services.

There is no right way or better way to recognize the anniversary; but, there are some suggestions that may prove helpful as we approach the anniversary of September 11^th.

• Observe the anniversary in a way that’s comfortable for you. Say “no” to events or activities that you sense may flood you with too many feelings.

• Don’t compare yourself to how others around you appear to be dealing with the September 11^th

• Acknowledge that we all heal at different rates, in different ways, and with different outcomes.

• Give yourself permission and time to be affected. Though uncomfortable, anticipate and plan for having a stress reaction as the anniversary approaches. Trust that if you have moments of difficulty, you’ll be able to pull yourself back together.

• Try not to isolate. Isolation can often amplify difficult feelings. Pre-plan now to be with family or friends if you know you have this tendency.

• Think through in advance how much and the type of anniversary media coverage you can comfortably absorb. Actively monitor and control what news coverage enters your personal space.

• If you are interested in attending scheduled anniversary events, check local community websites or voicesofsept11.org.

• Ask for help, support, and opportunities to talk. Your AFA Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is here to listen. Telephone numbers of your local EAP committee members are listed at afanet.org under the EAP Section or at http://afaalaska.org/eap. You can also call the AFA International EAP at 1-800-424-2406 or the AFA Alaska EAP at 1-949-470-0493.

In solidarity,

Your AFA International and AFA Alaska EAP