APSHealthcare
AugustCoping with Anniversary Grief
In Troubled Times
These ideas may help to make the day easier, and even more meaningful.
- Turn off the T.V. The images of the terrorist attacks are already permanently embedded in your memory, and less really is more!
- Spend time with your family and friends. Many Americans reported feeling closer to their loved ones as a result of 9/11. Use this time to cultivate those important relationships.
- Stay active - exercising will release endorphins that will combat any depression you may feel. Try yoga or Pilate's to relax tense muscles and mind.
- Write a letter to a military service member overseas and thank him or her for their service to America. Letters to soldiers can be submitted online at: http://www.dearamericansoldier.com/ or http://www.adoptasoldier.org/
- Hang our flag-decorate the yard-send an ecard to friends-share your feelings and commemorate the day.
With coworkers or family, activities are very useful in reducing stress and helpful to others, creating memories that are positive and rewarding.
- An on-site blood drive might be coordinated with other businesses in your neighborhood. Call American Red Cross Blood Bank at 800-GIVE-LIFE.
- Designate the day to be "Public Safety Appreciation Day" and deliver cookies to local fire and police departments, or social service agencies.
- Designate "Red, White, and Blue Week," and encourage wearing patriotic colors to work. Give a prize to the "Best-Dressed."
- Coordinate a coin drive, bake sale, or white elephant event, donating the proceeds to a local or national 9/11 charity. Or establish a company scholarship fund for children of the victims. This can become an annual event. The September 11 fund is still accepting donations! http:sep11
This month we wanted to take time to share some personal thoughts as the first anniversary of September 11 approaches. Many of us are wondering how best to cope with the reawakening of grief and depression that is likely to occur around that day. This Ymail is designed to provide specific and practical suggestions. But perhaps the best suggestion is one youíve heard before. If not, here it is.Many of you reading this have attended seminars in the past on Managing Stress. At these we ask, "How many of you have attended such a seminar before?" Most of the hands go up. Then we ask, "Why are you coming to the second (or third) that is likely to be just like the first?"
The answers invariably are humorous versions of, "I was looking for something easier and faster!" That is very human. And yet, what is known about coping with grief, stress, and changeñeven the holidays-is that the key to coping is maintaining daily activities-work, exercise, routines, and spending time with loved ones. And if you find an easier and faster way, please let us know!
As this important day approaches, we hope you will keep the EAP number handy, and know that APS has but one goalñto provide quality employee assistance program services to you and your loved ones, at all times, but especially at this time.
If you are managing other people in the workplace, remember that the anniversary grief may cause a decrease in productivity, changes in mood, and distraction at work. Some employees will prefer not to travel during that week. So, whether or not your company organizes events, keep the EAP and other support numbers handy for emotional support and unexpected responses. Keeping on keeping on is something we can all do.