What to Do ... Now

What you do during and in the wake of this crisis

will depend on what’s happened. Have you

experienced the loss of a loved one? Are you battling

an illness? Have you been injured? Have you been

victimized? No matter what’s happened, at times

you’re feeling overwhelmed. This is your crisis.

Try to surround yourself with special friends and loved

ones. Be there for each other and know that it’s okay

to feel. Former Prime Minister of Britain Benjamin

Disraeli once said, “Never apologize for showing

feeling. When you do so, you apologize for truth.”

As much as possible, and with the help of people

who are close to you, try to obtain facts. Knowing

what’s happened, or is happening, is generally easier

than the unknown. Depending upon the event, it

may not be possible to know the facts early on; they

may come with time.

While you’re vacillating between uncomfortable

thoughts and feelings, keep bringing yourself back

to your “thinking and problem-solving mode.” Take

care of your basic needs. Drink lots of fluids, eat

small meals, and keep yourself in a safe place.

If at any time you experience difficulty breathing,

chest pains or palpitations, or any other disturbing

physical reaction, speak with your physician or

health care provider immediately. In fact it’s a good

idea, in general, to make your doctor aware of what

you’re going through.

The answer to what you need to do now lies within

you.