911, the Anniversary Effect and Worldwide Depression Statistics

There is no doubt that September 11, 2001 had, and will continue to have, a profound effect on the world.   

What the Anniversary Effect?

"The Anniversary Effect" or an anniversary reaction may be defined as upsetting behavior, reactivation of symptoms, and/or distressing dreams that occur on an anniversary of a significant experience. Sometimes we know why we are feeling melancholy, irritability or anxiety. For example, 9/11 holds an anniversary effect for many Americans and others in the world. And now, hurricane Katrina will also hold anniversary reactions for survivors and those who witnessed its aftermath. These dates will continue to be recognizable sources for our psyche's disturbance. We have conscious awareness of these dates and events. We are aware of the trauma time-line and the current calendar time-line[1] " -  Dr. Deborah Serani, A psychologist and practicing psychoanalyst, [whom] specializes in treating trauma and depression. [Emphasis Added].  To view Dr. Deb's full article please see the attached link: http://drdeborahserani.blogspot.com/2005/09/anniversary-effect.html

This year on 9/11, as both a Bi-Nationalist and the Toronto Mental Health Examiner, I had a piqued curiousity about the reality of what the worldwide depression statistics might be for the lay man (who can't afford health care), given the economy and the notion that every day, health care programs and mental health services budgets are being cut.  

See: http://www.examiner.com/mental-health-in-toronto/9-11-worldwide-depression-statistics-and-helping-the-lay-man-cope 

"The article also contains didactic information and handouts for not only mental health professionals, but for the lay man as well and the direct link to David Baldwin’s Trauma Information Pages offers insightful articles in the form of Disaster Mental Health Handouts provided by such well known agencies as the American Psychological Association and the American Red Cross.  See the attached: http://www.trauma-pages.com/disaster.php."

As my article states: "In a world that is struggling to maintain a sense of hope mental health education about dealing with disaster relief becomes that much more prevalent."

Continue reading on Examiner.com 9 11, worldwide depression statistics and helping the lay man cope - Toronto Mental Health Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/mental-health-in-toronto/9-11-worldwide-depression-statistics-and-helping-the-lay-man-cope#ixzz1Yc2zmQ4E