| Flight Attendants Helping Flight Attendants
PERSONAL STRATEGIES FOR APPROACHING THE ANNIVERSARY OF SEPTEMBER 11th
- From Your AFA EAP
As we approach the anniversary
of September 11th, many of us will begin to plan how we'll
recognize this day. Anniversaries offer an opportunity to
acknowledge our memories and experiences, to connect with others
who share in them, and to pay tribute to our individual and
collective journeys. They can also serve as personal and
professional milestones of our healing and resiliency.
For some, September 11th will be marked with private personal
gestures such as observing a moment of silence, spending quiet
time reflecting, or dedicating our flying to our profession. For
others, it will be marked with collective activities such as
ceremonies and memorial services.
There is no right way or better way to recognize the
anniversary; but, there are some suggestions that may prove
helpful as we approach the anniversary of September 11th.
- Observe the anniversary in
a way that's comfortable for you. Say no to events or
activities that you sense may flood you with too many
feelings. Find more gentle ways of honoring the anniversary.
- Don't compare yourself to
how others around you appear to be dealing with the
September 11th anniversary.
- Acknowledge that we all
heal at different rates, in different ways, and with
different outcomes.
- Give yourself permission
and time to be affected. Though uncomfortable, anticipate
and plan for having a stress reaction as the anniversary
approaches. Trust that if you have moments of difficulty,
you'll be able to pull yourself back together.
- Try not to isolate
yourself. Pre-plan now to be with people if you know you
have this tendency.
- However you choose to
structure your day this September 11th or however it just
naturally unfolds, please remember that your AFA EAP
committee representatives welcome being a part of it. If you
or a flying partner needs a confidential ear, please call us
at 1-800-424-2406 or find your local EAP representatives'
contact information at
www.afanet.org. Remember, we're just a phone call away.
USA MEC EAP
Chairperson
Deborah A. McCormick
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