Children of 9/11 Continue to Experience Trauma

Nearly 3,000 people were killed on 9/11. 

In the years since then, more first responders and survivors have passed away from 68 different types of cancer and respiratory illnesses than passed away on that day.

Others are living with the mental health consequences of trauma, nearly 20 years after the attacks, including many people who were children or young adults on September 11, 2001. 

A recent article in the Journal of Psychiatric Research found that, among children, exposure to the mass trauma of 9/11 resulted in a higher incidence of developing panic disorder – sudden attacks of panic, fear, or helplessness. 

The study builds on earlier research finding that 9/11 impacted first responders both physically and mentally.

Currently, the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program offers mental health services for conditions including anxiety, depression, panic disorder, substance use disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

These and other mental health conditions are not yet included among the covered conditions for the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF). 

But new conditions are continuously being  added to the VCF’s  list of eligible conditions, and additional data from the WTC Health Program helps to strengthen the correlation between 9/11 exposure and a host of illnesses. 

If you are diagnosed with a mental health condition or any of the cancers or respiratory illnesses impacting the 9/11 community, please contact us right away. 

Visit 911victims.com or call 212-385-8000 today.