2,977 lives. 

2,135 US civilians. 

372 foreigners. 

343 firefighters. 

71 law enforcement officers. 

These are the initial lives lost in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Even more died post 9/11 from dust inhalation-related cancer. Aside from these tragic deaths, people from all around the world, especially in the areas that were directly affected, struggled with mental illnesses, such as PTSD, depression, and generalized anxiety.

9/11 is a day that is immortalized in our souls as an American. Think of those recovery and cleanup workers. The friends of victims. The parents and children of victims. The survivors. The mental health conditions don’t just stop there. Those of us who watched the event unfold on live television, those that were affected around the globe, can also struggle from PTSD. It was a horrific day, and one that will have psychological impacts for as long as we live.

For survivors, it’s not easy, either. For those who suffered from a 9/11 loss of a loved one or had loved ones in danger or working in the cleanup effort were two times more likely to suffer from a mental illness, like PTSD. The effects of the terrorist attack were not only the deaths, but also the mental and emotional stability of our nation. Our world. 

The good news is that there is hope for recovery. Studies show those with mental health conditions as a result of 9/11 who got help for their mental illness through therapy or other forms of care, were able to recover and learn the coping skills. 

This is a hard day for all Americans. If, 19 years after this infamous day, you are still struggling with your mental health as a result of the attacks, seek help. You don’t have to live like this anymore. There are so many people like you. You are not alone in this.