Oprah & Dr. Phil

[Guest guest]

How to Cope with the Emotional Aftermath

"I can't fix it, but I hope to be an emotional compass in rough waters." — Dr. Phil All over the world, people are struggling with emotions after the events of September 11, 2001. Dr. Phil McGraw offers advice for coping: No "Right" Way to ReactPeople respond to tragedy in different ways. Some people might be visibly shaken, while others are stoic. If you're a caring, feeling person, it's normal and natural to feel "off" or undone—just as it's normal to move on with your daily chores and duties. The important thing to remember is that there is no right or wrong way to react. Psychological and Physical EffectsThe intent of terrorism goes beyond destruction. On a larger psychological level, the idea is to disrupt our day-to-day lives. Terrorists aim to disturb how we live, to frighten us and to challenge what we think about our world. Our personal challenge is to not give in to any of that. Keep being who you are and doing what you normally do. Don't let these attacks allow you to become overly reclusive or paranoid. Each and every one of us is fighting a battle of wills. We have to say, "I will not succumb." It isn't easy to work through these difficult feelings. You don't have to like it, you just have to do it. Three Steps to Begin Healing1. Give yourself permission to own your feelings. Feel whatever you're feeling, and be where you are.2. Manage those feelings. You always have a choice: you can withdraw from life, or you can face your feelings and work with them. If you decide to withdraw, you'll miss out on the vibrancy of life. Choose to work through your emotions, and you'll be stronger for it.3. Find meaning in the process of healing.From the show Dr. Phil Helps Grieving Americans