Assistant Executive Director, Central Nassau Guidance and Counseling Services

For many of us a new year often brings hope and expectations. The celebration of the new year can inspire us to renew our commitments to our family and to ourselves. The resolutions we make or eventually break are often dependent upon surrounding circumstances. Can we really afford to make a major purchase? Do I really feel motivated to accomplish my own personal goals?

This new year will be significantly different than previous ones. The events of September 11 have altered the way we think, the way we behave and the way we feel. Downtown America is on a heightened state of alert. Given what has transpired, one thing has become certain, and that is uncertainty itself. As we begin the new year it is important to evaluate how we are coping with the impact of these events upon our way of life and upon the quality of our life.

Coping in the aftermath of a disaster or traumatic event can be difficult for children and families. We may still feel frightened, or we may continue to feel upset by the impact that the event has had upon our daily routines or relationships. Children may also be affected during these times because of their sense of vulnerability and perceived feelings of being unsafe or unsure. A very young child's lack of understanding, and their limited ability to communicate how they feel may also increase their sense of insecurity and result in changes in behavior patterns.

Except for some extreme circumstances most of us will not develop serious or permanent psychological problems as a result of the events of September 11. As we continue to move forward it is important to include all members of your family in your efforts to recover from this traumatic event. This will help keep the family together.

During these times of uncertainty when there is great concern for our safety, our ability to freely travel and our security in opening up holiday cards, it is no wonder we feel stressed. However, if your behavior or ability to cope in these times of uncertainty is impairing your ability to function at home, in school, or at work, you might want to consider reaching out to a mental health professional. In recent months, the community mental health programs available within our local communities have become critically important in helping those affected by the events of September 11 begin to recover. We have counseled people at risk for relapse related to substance abuse. We have provided grief counseling to children and families. We have debriefed the business community. And, we have provided trauma counseling to our heroes and their families. The stigma so often associated with mental health services has been slowly eroding since the events of September 11.

As we enter a new year in these times of uncertainty it is important to take stock of our strengths and to realize our limitations. At least, let us resolve to invest in our own mental health.

(Editor's Note: Central Nassau Guidance and Counseling Services, Inc. is a social services agency located at 950 South Oyster Bay Road, Hicksville. The agency serves the communities of Hicksville, Bethpage, Plainview and Levittown.)

Paule T. Pachter, ACSW, CSW