Experts urge seeking
support as tension keeps
rising after attacks

People are now more aware
of their vulnerability, says
a psychology professor

Workshops tonight

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By Rosemarie Bernardo
rbernardo@starbulletin.com

How has life changed since Sept. 11?

A local gun shop says sales and registration in gun safety classes are up, as many people fear that a prolonged economic slump could lead to more crime.

Thousands flocked to a recent job fair as the ranks of the unemployed continue to swell from the drop in tourism.

And letters that in the past might otherwise have been thrown away as "junk mail" now prompt calls to 911.

The palpable rise in tension around the islands, and elsewhere, isn't just your imagination.

Last month's terrorist attacks are "forcing Americans to have a paradigm shift," said Mitzi Simonelli, a psychology professor at Chaminade University. "We are basically all vulnerable.

"The paradigm that we were in was pretty safe on American soil," she added. "But now it's been so massive, we've had to take kind of a real shift of awareness. That takes time to process. It doesn't happen overnight."

As residents continue to go through the emotions caused by the attacks -- including fear, depression and anxiety -- mental health professionals on Hawaii are offering help.

The Hawaii Psychological Association is holding free community meetings today throughout the state. In addition to counseling, psychologists will give short presentations on common reactions and response to the attacks.

"There is a huge range of reactions that each person may experience," said Dr. Don Kopf, one of the organizers of the event. "Knowing what to expect and better ways to handle it can be very helpful."

The emotions people feel are simply the result of trying to live their lives, Simonelli said.

"I think people are still numb," she said.

"This whole thing is a process of grieving and loss. With people being unemployed and the economic downturn on Hawaii, people are trying to get through the day.

"It's a completely unbalancing situation that happens in their life."

Open discussion and confronting one's fears, rather than suppressing emotions, tends to help, she added.

"Many times, we try to put up a good front but we're collapsing inside," Simonelli said. "I think we have to validate that inside feeling. We are going to have a lot of bumps along the road to regain normalcy."

Tracy Trevorrow, assistant psychology professor at Chaminade University, also emphasized that sharing feelings with others and soliciting support helps overcome obstacles.

He said people essentially have three choices when confronted by threats to their livelihood and possessions: avoid the circumstances; try to alter the environment around you; or adapt to the situation.

Feeling anxious is normal, said Dr. J. Kuhio Asam, medical director at Kahi Mohala Behavioral Healthcare. Asam advised maintaining a support system of family, friends, colleagues and religious organizations.

Dorothy Goldsborough, director of criminology and criminal justice at Chaminade University, acknowledged that since the attacks, "people have a sense of hostility and are more suspicious of people than they were in the past."

But she pointed out that people, for the most part, are resilient, and the effects aren't likely to be lasting.

"We do pick up and go on," she said.

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Help in coping with emotions The Hawaii Psychological Association is holding free community meetings today throughout the state. In addition to counseling, psychologists will give short presentations on common reactions and response to the attacks. Meetings begin at 6 p.m. at the following locations: Oahu >> Campbell Estate Building, 1001 Kamokila Blvd., Meeting Room. Street parking. >> Argosy University, 400 Pacific Tower at 1001 Bishop St., Conference Room. Validated parking. Kauai >> Convention Hall, 4191 Hardy St., Small Ballroom. Big Island >> Department of Education District Office, 480 Waianuenue Ave., Annex Conference Room 2.