Los Angeles: Following the September 11, 2001 tragedy, the Los Angeles Police Department embarked on a course of action, requiring us to provide the public with personal safety tips. Additionally, the Department is committed to providing the public with information on ways to cope with [and adapt to] situations that persons are likely to encounter following the September 11^th attack on our nation.

The following information is provided by the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health to assist the public with understanding the emotional reactions to such incidents. This is the first in a two-part series on this topic.

Following a critical incident that involves serious acts of violence, the emotional response from individuals will vary.

Persons traumatized by critical incidents often experience a pervasive sense of loss. These reactions are common and may include some of the following:

• Loss of feeling safe
• Loss of identity/future
• Loss of feeling of control over one's life
• Loss of trust in others
• Loss of hope
• Loss of personal power
• Loss of friends; and
• Loss of home/belongings.

Individuals and communities may experience a range of intense emotions, feelings, thoughts and reactions to unexpected violence.

The following psychological impacts of an unexpected and violent act may include the following thoughts and emotions:

• Shock
• Disbelief
• Insecurity
• Fear of the unknown
• Hopelessness
• Panic
• Anger
• Anxiety
• Isolation
• Despair
• Survivor Guilt
• Depression
• Excessive Worry
• Irritability
• A state of tension; and
• Re-activation of prior negative memories.

When unexpected acts of violence occur, they disrupt our daily routine and sense of equilibrium. Physical or behavioral reactions may include:

• Appetite disturbance
• Sleep disturbance
• Free-floating or generalized anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Feelings of gloom or despair
• Exaggerated response to stimuli
• Headaches
• Diarrhea
• Stomach ailments; and
• Decrease in performance levels.

The thoughts, reactions and feelings described above are considered normal reactions to abnormal events. It is important to reassure individuals experiencing a range of unexpected feelings or symptoms that these are typical manifestations in reaction to a stressful incident of unmatched proportion. Finally, reactions to abnormal events may surface immediately or in many cases, days or weeks after the incident. This is normal.

This release was prepared by Officer Victoria Diaz, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.