How to emotionally deal with Tuesday's tragedy

Editor's note -- The following piece is courtesy of Life Quest, a local mental health center serving the Mat-Su Borough. It deals with the mental health aspect of Tuesday's terroristic attack on New York City.

MAT-SU -- At this most difficult time in our nation's history, Life Quest, the community mental-health center, encourages everyone to keep the victims of Tuesday's tagedies, their families, friends, neighbors and coworkers in their prayers.

We understand this is having and will have a significant emotional impact on all members of our community.

The emotions you may be feeling at this time -- anxiety, sadness, fear and anger -- are all common reactions to a traumatic event.

At this time, communication is vitally important. We encourage you to talk about your feelings to your family, friends, minister -- basically, anyone you feel comfortable talking to and confiding in.

Moms and dads, please encourage your kids to share their feelings, and be good listeners.

We also wish to reassure you that although everyone will experience these emotions, the intensity and duration vary from person to person.

We will get through this. People are pretty resilient and the people of our country, state and particularly our community have an emotional strength that will enable us to persevere.

If you would like to talk to us, we are here to listen.

You can reach us at 376-2411 or 1-800-478-2410.

Bill Hogan is the chief executive officer of Life Quest.