March 19, 2003

Coping With War

Genesis Behavioral Health Professionals Offer Assistance Here at Home

Davenport, IA - A number of behavioral health professionals at Genesis Health System are standing by to assist the Quad City community as families make the transition to war.

Genesis Employee Assistance counselors, the specialists from Psychology Associates, and the counselors at Rick's House of Hope are ready to help.

These are confusing times for many people, especially for those who know someone who has been deployed. "We miss our friends and loved ones and we worry about them. At the same time, our busy daily lives go on," says Patti Christensen, MSW, ACSW, LISW, LCSW. Christensen is a social worker who specializes in family counseling at Psychology Associates, Moline and has served military families extensively. She knows first-hand what it is like to be part of a military family because her father and husband were career Air Force. "We will suddenly remember that deployed person and feel guilty for not thinking about them enough."

She adds, "As individuals, we all need to counteract this terrible situation in a very personal way. It helps each one of us to give to others. It reduces our anxiety by taking action in a positive way. People should feel they could get together to talk about their worries and concerns. Reach out to other people through your schools, church or workplace. We often learn from other people's ideas which will help us cope."

Christensen has already begun work with the U.S. Army Morale Welfare Recreation agency at the Rock Island Arsenal. On March 22, at 10 a.m., she'll be presenting to a Waiting Family Meeting on the topic of "Deployment of Adult Children."

Christensen is personally and professionally experienced in crisis counseling in military matters. She spent 26 years traveling with her husband, a retired Air Force Colonel, and eight years as a counselor in for the Air Force Family Advocacy program. She also spent a number of years working in the family advocacy program at Dover and Andrews Air Forces bases.

As we prepare for war, Christensen feels we should focus on supporting troops and the families left behind. "Regardless of your political viewpoint. If we're going to war, I want people to support the troops and their families," she says. "Look for some way to reach out to these people. Cook a casserole to give or send a thank you note to the families. Send a soldier a funny postcard every week."

Christensen assisted as a disaster mental health counselor for the Flight 587 - Rockaway tragedy and the World Trade Center disaster. She is certified in mediation and crisis intervention and is licensed to practice in both Iowa and Illinois.

For more information about coping with war contact Patti Christensen at Psychology Associates' Moline office, 309-764-1670.