NMHA Release - Mental Health Central to National Preparedness/Response, Requires Increased Attention

NMHA News Release
September 7, 2006

Five-Year Anniversary of September 11
Mental Health Central to National Preparedness/Response, Requires Increased Attention

Contact:
Jason Halal, 703-797-1943 or jhalal@nmha.org

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (September 7, 2006)?Monday, September 11, 2006, marks the fifth anniversary of the largest terrorist attacks on United States soil. Over the past five years, research and personal accounts have demonstrated the emotional impact of these attacks on Americans throughout the nation?not just in New York City and Washington D.C. On this somber anniversary, the National Mental Health Association urges national, state and community stakeholders to realize the central role mental health plays in overall disaster preparedness and response.

?The September 11 attacks had an acute psychological impact on many Americans?both those directly impacted and the nation as a whole,? said David Shern, Ph.D., president and CEO of NMHA. ?Preparing for the mental health fallout of a national disaster is just as important as security efforts?especially given that terrorism is fundamentally psychological warfare.?

The following statistics highlight the psychological effects of the September 11 attacks on survivors, rescue workers and the general population.

Survivors and Rescue Workers

• Two to three years after September 11, 64.7% of building survivors reported experiencing a new onset of depression, anxiety or other mental health problem.
• Two to three years after the attacks, 10.7% of building survivors were experiencing serious psychological distress?twice the prevalence of serious psychological distress within the general New York City adult population during the same time period.
• 13% of rescue and recovery workers evaluated between 10 to 15 months after the attacks met criteria for PTSD. The three most common issues cited were problems with social life (15%), work (14%) and home life (13%).

General Population

• 17% of Americans, despite where they lived, had symptoms of PTSD two months after the attacks. Nearly 6% reported symptoms of PTSD as long as six months after the attacks.
• Over the two years following September 11, there was a 49% increase in the number of people attempting suicide, which is attributable to the chronic stress associated with the terrorist attacks.
• Americans of all demographics are highly concerned about the threat of terrorism and its mental health consequences. Half of Americans (50%) and two in three parents (65%) are concerned that members of their family will experience fear and distress about the threat of terrorism.

?Terrorism is designed to create fear and distress which is every bit as painful and long-lasting as physical destruction,? said Dr. Shern. ?Mental health services are therefore essential to coping with tragedy and must be fully integrated into disaster planning.?

The National Mental Health Association continues to work with its national affiliate network to address the mental health needs of Americans in the aftermath of national disasters and emergencies. For more information on the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and tips for coping with disasters, visit www.nmha.org.

The National Mental Health Association is the country's oldest and largest nonprofit organization addressing all aspects of mental health and mental illness. With more than 340 affiliates nationwide, NMHA works to improve the mental health of all Americans through advocacy, education, research and service.

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