Many first responders struggle with mental health issues such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to trauma exposure and traumatic emergency response situations. Addiction and mental health issues often have a direct relationship with one another as co-occurring issues.
For many first responders of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the anniversary of the tragic event can trigger PTSD and substance use to cope. Various risk factors contribute to the development of PTSD in first responders, including the intense trauma and complex situations they faced during and after the attacks. There may also be pressure to “get over it” because years have passed since the event.
However, the effects of traumatic events can linger for years, mental disorders may develop, and PTSD symptoms can take extensive therapy services and support to overcome. Working through the effects of traumatic events is a journey, and a person is not weak to seek help after enduring an event such as the one that took place in New York City in 2001.
Coping Mechanisms and First Responders
First responders often develop various coping mechanisms to deal with the psychological impact of their experiences. The prevalence of PTSD in first responders is significantly higher than that in the general population.
- Substance Abuse: Many first responders turn to alcohol or drugs to cope with the stress of their jobs. This can lead to alcohol addiction and further mental health issues.
- Avoidance Behavior: Some may avoid discussing their experiences. This can result in unresolved trauma and emotional isolation from their peers and loved ones.
- Overworking: First responders might throw themselves into work to escape their feelings. While this may seem productive, it often leads to burnout and decreased mental health.
No matter how recent the trauma is, a person may require treatment or counseling regularly to avoid or tend to symptoms. This is not a sign of weakness. It is responsible to take control of one’s mental health and do what is necessary to facilitate healing from trauma.
The Effect of Trauma on World Trade Center Responders
Thousands of people worked on the rescue and recovery effort in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. This includes experienced police officers and firefighters as well as volunteers with no prior training, who may not have had access to personal safety gear. As a result, they may have suffered physical aftereffects from their work in helping to rescue and recover from the disaster.
Physical effects of working near or around the World Trade Center on the day of the terrorist attacks included:
- Chronic respiratory problems, including asthma
- Cancer due to air contaminants
- Cardiovascular problems
- Adverse health effects of stress
- Eye, nose, or throat irritation
This list is not to underscore the far-reaching physical effects of PTSD, which can affect various systems of the body. PTSD can exacerbate lower respiratory symptoms among World Trade Center responders, adding to the complexity of their health issues. Healing from trauma from the initial event will likely involve work to physically recover from the medical effects of surviving the incident. The injuries and mental health complications may act as constant reminders of the event, which can hold back a person’s ability to fully recover and integrate the event into their personal history.
It’s important to note that it was also not solely workers and recovery workers that suffered adverse health effects as a result. There was incredibly poor environmental health around the immediate area around the World Trade Center and entire parts of New York City in the resulting days. The recovery workers and public service workers deserve time and attention for their sacrifice in helping recover people and parts of the World Trade Center itself. But the victims of the attack themselves may have lingering trauma and require ongoing health support. Even ordinary New Yorkers and visitors may have suffered respiratory problems and probable PTSD due to the attacks and rippling effects on New York City and the entire country.
The Relationship Between Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
People who undergo depression or PTSD may use alcohol or other addictive substances as a way to self-medicate, which can result in destructive behavior, disruption with job performance, trouble with loved ones, and health complications due to the psychological impact of their trauma. The World Trade Center Health Program plays a crucial role in supporting individuals with PTSD, particularly those affected by the September 11th attacks.
Individuals who experience trauma often use substances to:
- Fall asleep, due to disruptive sleep patterns
- Avoid traumatic memories or flashbacks
- Forget about problems
- Deal with mood disturbances caused by PTSD
- Numb emotions
- Spend time with others without focusing on the traumatic incident
The mental health needs of someone with PTSD are valid, and self-medication may alleviate symptoms on an immediate or very short-term basis. But the problems that may result from substance use or addiction can complicate outcomes and the person’s ability to heal from post-traumatic stress long term.
Maintaining Mental Health During and After Disasters
The psychological impact of disasters is particularly important to study. Often in such events as 9/11, loved ones are lost suddenly, horrifically, and unexpectedly. Those without direct experience with the disastrous event may not understand or empathize with those suffering from lingering PTSD symptoms.
When dealing with mental health during a disaster, a few principles can help to work through the stress and trauma in the moment. Understanding risk factors is crucial for managing mental health during and after disasters. They also mostly apply to the periods after the traumatic event, when a person may feel the most vulnerable or the most susceptible to mental health problems.
Seek Support From Others
Many people hold back their feelings or needs in times of stress. They may feel guilty in requiring assistance when there are “bigger problems” or people who require immediate assistance, leading to emotional isolation. However, the support needs of first responders can be significantly different from those of the general population. But untreated needs can quickly stack, leading to depression and decreased resilience to stress.
Even if it feels selfish in the moment, it’s important to ask for a listening ear, attention, or even an encouraging word. Selecting the proper time to ask can make a difference! But if you’re not taking care of yourself after a traumatic event, you won’t be able to help take care of anyone else without strong support systems.
Remember That Information May Change
In an emergency situation, there are often frequent rumors about safety and access to essential goods. People seek out certainty out of panic, and the psychological impact of misinformation can lead them to believe the most negative version of events. For the sake of mental health, it’s important to withhold judgment on a drastic news update until you have all the information. Verify the truth of a situation before making crucial decisions that may affect the safety of yourself and others.
Care For the Physical Body
There is more discussion than ever about maintaining mental health during times of stress. But it’s equally as important to care for the physical body. PTSD can exacerbate lower respiratory symptoms, creating a cycle where each condition worsens the other. There is true feedback between the mind and the physical body, and the breakdown in one can assist in causing harm to the other. Make sure you’re staying hydrated, eating healthy food, and getting enough rest during times of great stress. Not caring for the physical body in times of great stress can quickly lead to a negative headspace.
Open Up to Others
There is constant pressure during a disastrous event to keep a positive attitude or to not “make things worse” by being negative about the present situation, which can lead to emotional isolation. Compared to the general population, first responders may have different communication needs during such events. But it’s important to engage in honest communication and speak openly about your feelings in a stressful situation, as well as honor your honest reactions. This may not be to your family or friends if they’re currently dealing with their own strong emotions or require immediate caretaking.
If the disastrous event is recent, there may be support groups or religious resources that provide immediate support. But over time, it’s important to be able to speak honestly with your support system about your feelings and any mental health problems you believe may have resulted due to dealing with the aftermath.
Prioritize Resting
It’s understandable that you may feel like you cannot rest during an ongoing disaster, which can significantly impact your mental health. Managing risk factors for PTSD, such as those arising from traumatic events, is crucial, and rest plays a significant role in this. This feeling may persist into recovery efforts or healing that need to happen after the initial event takes place, because there’s “too much to do.”
But it’s important to rest and decompress from the stressful situations at hand. This can look like spending time-consuming favorite media, spending time with a pet, or blowing off steam doing a favorite activity with friends.
Building resilience is crucial for first responders to manage the long-term effects of PTSD and continue their vital work. By understanding that PTSD and substance use disorders coexist, they can be treated more effectively as a dual diagnosis. Customized treatment of this type is essential to maintaining recovery after leaving treatment, as it takes into account the interaction of symptoms. This can also help those suffering from post-traumatic stress learn how to cope with their symptoms in healthy ways that do not involve addictive substances or behaviors.
Cypress Lake Recovery Offers Specialized Support for First Responders
It can be difficult to ask for help. Cypress Lake Recovery offers treatment for dual diagnosis. If you or a loved one is suffering from a mental health condition and substance use disorder or addiction, do not wait another day. Get help now. Mental health conditions, such as PTSD with co-occurring substance use disorder are treatable and recovery is possible.
Cypress Lake Recovery offers treatment for addiction in a peaceful, remote, environment. The program encompasses holistic addiction therapy for the mind, body, and soul. The focus is on physical, mental, and emotional well-being by generating the balance of life-enriching treatment, wellness, and healthy, sober, sustainable relationships. Contact us today to learn more.
