Sandra E. Lamb, a writer from Denver, Colorado, frequently travels. While she has never been a white-knuckle flier, and still isn't, she feels greater anxiety among passengers since the attacks. She also has an incredible sense of sadness that she can't shake. Not surprising. A number of psychiatric surveys, since September 11, show that a high percentage of the US population, including frequent business travelers, are showing signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). "Usually individual symptoms resolve in a week or two, but if it goes beyond thirty days it might be PTSD," says Charles West, clinical director and program manager of the International Employee Assistance Program for International SOS, the world's largest medical assistance program.

According to the American Psychological Association, post-traumatic stress disorder is a debilitating psychological disorder than can arise after any disaster or crisis situation. Some of the symptoms include: recurring thoughts or nightmares about the event; having trouble sleeping or changes in appetite; experiencing anxiety and fear especially when exposed to events or situations reminiscent of the trauma; being on edge; feeling depressed, sad and having low energy; memory problems; unable to focus on work or daily activities; difficulty making decisions; irritability; feeling emotionally "numb;" and withdrawing and disconnecting from others.

Shock and denial are also typical responses to terrorism, disasters and other kinds of trauma, especially shortly after the event. Both shock and denial are normal protective reactions.

Captain Bob, author of 'Eat Stress for Breakfast' (www.eatstress.com), developed these stress busters: Take a piece of paper and draw a line down the center. On the left side, write down the stresses in your life that are inescapable. On the right side, list stresses you can escape. Just seeing and knowing things you have control over reduces stress. Prioritize your escapable list. Find your "Dream Team." A "Dream Team" consists of spouses, friends, just about anyone you feel comfortable with. When people are under stress, they tend to withdraw. Bad idea. With the help of your "Dream Team," you can eliminate stress. "Dream Team" members will support you and help you figure out solutions. Place your "Dream Team" in the major areas of your life: emotions (spiritual), physical body (health), relationships, business/career and finance and wealth.

"In the past, in order to have symptoms of PTSD, you had to be physically at war...but now we're finding that even people who watched September 11 on TV are coming down with PTSD signs," said Robert Butterworth, director of International Trauma Associates in Los Angeles.

Butterworth explains that some airline passengers may not be experiencing PTSD, but may have a new psychological distress defined as anticipatory anxiety. "This anxiety (is) not focused on recuperating from shocking and mind-numbing events such as those on September 11, but fear and uncertainty of what is to come."

To help overcome symptoms of PTSD or anticipatory anxiety, Tina Tessina, psychotherapist and author of The REAL 13th Step says, "Travelers need to come to terms with their fears if they're going to continue flying. Learn the difference between scary news and the truth. The negative fallout from all of this...is that individual travelers are now paranoid. For example, California's bridges have always been on the list of possible terrorist threats, but they are no more vulnerable now than they were before."

Get an attitude adjustment
Experts suggest learning how to view the ongoing threats as manageable. That's what Ty Boyd, president of Executive Learning Systems in Charlotte, North Carolina, does when he flies 35 weeks a year for his business. He has flown twice a week since September 11. "There are between 15,000 and 18,000 airplanes in the air daily. The chances of my being on 'the one' are very slim. That lowers my anxiety," said Boyd.

Gayle Martz, founder of Sherpa's Pet Trading Company, travels globally for her business and agrees that travelers who experience anxiety and stress over the events and

	Do not be afraid to get professional help if you need it. Remember that getting help does not mean that you failed in trying to help yourself – some problems just need additional assistance. Professional help can come from all sorts of venues, including: Psychiatrists Social workers Family counselors Pastoral counselors For more information on a psychologist, contact the American Psychological Association (APA) at 202-336-5700 or e-mail them at public.affairs@apa.org. You can also ask your local hospital or your place of worship for references. The APA suggests asking a psychologist the following questions before beginning counseling: Are you a licensed psychologist? How many years have you been practicing psychology? What are your areas of expertise? What kinds of treatment do you use and have they been proven effective for dealing with this issue? What are your fees? How much therapy do you recommend? What types of insurance do you accept?

still have to travel, need to adjust their attitudes. "It's important not to constantly live in a threat, because once your mind goes into what could happen, it could take control of that fear," said Martz.

According to research sponsored by US aircraft manufacturer Boeing, the airline and airport security measures have already begun to ease the minds of travelers. A survey of 2,109 travelers showed that 91% of those who have flown since September 11 believe that air travel is safe, and 96% said that Americans should enjoy the freedom to fly. Some 92% predict that air travel will return to pre-attack levels within the next year.

While many frequent travelers will get through these symptoms over time, Butterworth explains that some may have to reassess their travel schedule or even have their jobs reassigned.

"We're not talking about the average person who is afraid of flying. We're talking about the traveler who was okay until this happened," said Butterworth. "As a result, it's reasonable after something this extreme to ask to be reassigned...while you cope. However, if you are still suffering symptoms, or the symptoms are getting worse, talk to your physician or psychologist for assistance."

Dr. Kenneth Dardick, a family practitioner and medical director of Connecticut Travel Medicine advises people to, "Prepare yourself physically, intellectually and emotionally for your travel. There are likely to be delays at the airport or on route  – bring reading material, crossword puzzles, load a new game on your PDA." You can also remind yourself of home by bringing along a photo of your family or friends. As always, but especially now, prepare medically for your travel. Bring aspirin, antihistamine and diarrhea medicine. Find a way to get your local newspaper so you can check on local news. Focusing on national or international news can be unsettling. Keeping up with your local high school soccer team or local politics can help put things back in perspective.