If the traumatic events of two weeks ago have troubled you, you are not alone.

Americans of all ages are suffering depression and finding it hard to get back into their routines.

News Specialist Stacey Butler has the story.

Psychologists say in many cases people's symptoms often surface days after a traumatic event. Just now some businesses are providing a trauma counselor for employees. Inside the Triad Center we have a psychologist on hand to talk to today.

The psychological impact of the attacks is so widesread it even reached the halls of Congress.

Cathleen Collette/Salt Lake City: "IT DEFINITELY HAS TAKEN ITS TOLL AND MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO FOCUS ON WHAT WE'RE DOING DAY TO DAY."

2000 miles from ground zero, many Utahns still feel a deep sense of loss and fear.

Josh Creer/Salt Lake City: "EVEN THOUGH IT'S FAR AWAY GEOGRAPHICALLY YOU ALSO FEEL IT COULD HAPPEN TO YOU."

A USA TODAY Gallup poll found half of Americans polled fear further terrorist strikes. And each in his or her own way is grieving.

Rick Mathis/Salt Lake City: "ANGER. I DON'T KNOW WHERE TO DIRECT IT AT A LOT OF THE TIMES."

Scott Miller/Salt Lake City: "IT MAKES ME FEEL A LITTLE LESS MOTIVATED BECAUSE IT'S HARD TO DEAL WITH BUSINESS IN GENERAL."

Psychologists talking to employees at the Triad Center today say feelings of powerlessness, anger and fear are normal, but have to be acknowledged and worked out.

Grant Taylor, Ph.D.: "AN INDIVIDUAL WHO ALREADY HAS A LOT OF STRESS, THIS COULD PUT THEM OVER THE EDGE AND THEY MAY EVEN NEED PROFESSIONAL HELP TO DEAL WITH ALL THEIR FEELINGS."

A recent study quoted by lawmakers shows that more than 70 percent of those surveyed said the terrorist attacks have left them depressed.

Today a panel on Capitol Hill offered insight and recommendations to help lawmakers not only help the grieving survivors and family members, but children miles away-- touched deeply by the tragedy.

Senator Edward Kennedy/(D) Massachusetts: "CHILDREN FACE EMOTIONAL CHALLENGES, AND IT'S CRITICAL THAT PARENTS, TEACHERS AND OTHERS KNOW HOW TO HELP THEM DEAL WITH THEIR GRIEF AND FEAR, AND BE ALERT FOR THE SIGNS OF SERIOUS PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS THAT NEED CLINICAL INTERVENTION."

Psychologists say if counselling isn't made available to you, the best thing you can do is talk about your fears to family and friends.

--Sept. 26, 2001--