The September 11 Syndrome: Seven Steps to Getting a Grip in Uncertain Times [Paperback]

Harriet Braiker (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 22, 2002

**A portion of the profits from this book are being donated to 9-11 related charities

Proven methods for how to live fully and panic-free in the face of anxiety and stress

More than just the World Trade Centers were destroyed on September 11. Also lost to us was the sense of security and peace of mind taken for granted by generations of Americans. What once were dismissed as neurotic phobias­­fear of flying, of public transportation, and of crowded places, for example­­are now considered normal reactions to real dangers.

Written by Harriet Braiker, renowned psychologist and author of the New York Times advice bestseller The Disease to Please, The September 11 Syndrome: Anxious Days and Sleepless Nights arms readers with proven techniques for developing psychological hardiness and emotional resiliency. Braiker imparts the keys to regaining a sense of control over life and the freedom of mind to travel, conduct business, and experience everyday joys without being crippled by fear.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Seven important steps to help you cope with "the New Normalcy," and live your life without debilitating fears.

September 11 forever changed the way we view the world -- affecting how we go about our day-to-day -- formerly routine -- activities. September 11 was the day phobias turned into reality; anxiety turned into panic; and the only sure thing was uncertainty. But, in the wake of September 11, as panic and horror slowly subside, many of us are still left with anxious days and sleepless nights. "When will the other shoe drop?" is on everyone's minds, if not their lips.

Internationally renowned psychologist and bestselling author Dr. Harriet Braiker has identified a new kind of stress bred of this uncertainty: The September 11 Syndrome. Symptoms include: persistent anxiety and worry, sleep disruption, lingering low-grade depression, avoidance of fear-provoking activities or places, increased irritability and a general feeling of loss of control and helplessness, all triggered by the events of that tragic day and its aftermath.

The September 11 Syndrome addresses these symptoms and offers seven practical ways for getting a grip and regaining a sense of control in these very uncertain times. Because despite the turbulent times, people still have to fly, get up and go to work, take their kids to school, go shopping, have fun, and keep their families together. This book shows you how to recognize the symptoms of the September 11 Syndrome and, in clear prescriptive language, to:

• Transform negative thoughts and images into positive ones
• Overcome your fears--from flying to driving over bridges
• Gain control over constant worry
• Take action against helplessness and depression
• Enhance the comfort of your personal "safety" zones
• Strengthen your connections to others
• Discover your own personal courage every day

If you are feeling the lingering effects of stress, anxiety, and depression, you are not alone. In the wake of September 11, the recovery process may not be a short one; but it's not impossible either. Armed with this powerful guide, you can regain a sense of control over your life--and the freedom of mind to experience everyday joys once again.

About the Author

Harriet B. Braiker, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist and the bestselling author of numerous books, including The Disease to Please and The Type E Woman.

The author and the publisher are donating a portion of the proceeds of this book to September 11-related charities.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill; 1 edition (May 22, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 007140077X
• ISBN-13: 978-0071400770
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,188,758 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Realistic, practical, and reassuring, August 14, 2002

By 

Tw Rutledge "Thom Rutledge, author of Embraci... (Nashville, Tennessee United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The September 11 Syndrome: Seven Steps to Getting a Grip in Uncertain Times (Paperback)

The name of this book is misleading because Dr. Braiker's work is applicable to wide range of fear-based problems. As a psychotherapist and author who specializes in helping clients and readers face and overcome fear's control, I find the specific techniques (tools) extremely useful.

The book is well organized and easy to read, which is essential if readers who are (by definition) anxious are going to get the most out of it. Dr. Braiker introduces her methodology by moving through 7 practical steps that build on one another, guiding readers toward an understanding of personal courage that is quite simple, but well beyond how we usually think of courage.

The reassurance in this book is intelligent and credible. It is well worth reading, and telling anyone you know who remains anxious in our post September 11 world.

- Thom Rutledge, author of Embracing Fear (HarperSanFrancisco)

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This Book is a True Lifesaver!, June 30, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: The September 11 Syndrome: Seven Steps to Getting a Grip in Uncertain Times (Paperback)

I saw Dr. Braiker on TV and immediately rushed out to buy this book. I have been suffering from anxious days and sleepless nights since September 11 and didn't know what to do about it. I thought I was the only one. And every time there is another terrorist warning I don't know what to do or how to cope. I don't usually buy these types of books, but this one is a true lifesaver. The government says there will be another attack -- not if, but when! That scares the hell out of me. But this book gives me hope and some control over my fears.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Book!, September 12, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: The September 11 Syndrome: Seven Steps to Getting a Grip in Uncertain Times (Paperback)

I saw Dr. Braiker on the TODAY Show and I felt like she was talking to me -- and her wise words were just what I needed. The subtitle of her book is "Anxious Days and Sleepless Nights" and that is me all over! I've been feeling anxious and edgy ever since Sept. 11, but was afraid to talk about it because I figured we were all supposed to shut up and go on with our lives. That was a mistake. Dr. Braiker appeared on the show the day AFTER the one year anniversary and said, quite simply, "The anxiety is still with us...and will be for some time. And anybody who thought the anxiety would stop at the end of the anniversary woke up today and realized it's not that easy." That's me to a "T." Her 7 steps are solid techniques for getting a grip and I'm already using them. AND THEY REALLY WORK!! I also really like the fact that she's donating some of the proceeds from her book to World Trade Center-related charities and her website ... lists them.