Washington, D.C., Sept. 10, 2021 – As we approach the 20th anniversary, the American Psychiatric Association pauses to mourn the lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001. We send our thoughts and support to the family members and friends of those who died, as we reflect on our own indelible memories of that day.

We salute the first responders in New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania who bravely put themselves into harm’s way to rescue as many people as they could. We think of the efforts of psychiatrists and mental health clinicians in those regions, who from the very beginning treated many who suffered from trauma, from substance use disorders, and from other mental illness as a result of this tragedy. We remember the service members who deployed across the world in the resulting wars, and the families they had to leave behind.

As we continue to face the aftermath of that day, whether in the form of quiet remembrances or the ongoing turmoil in Afghanistan, we urge everyone impacted to know that in times of tragedy and distress, we, as psychiatrists, are here to support you, and mental health help is available.

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American Psychiatric Association

The American Psychiatric Association, founded in 1844, is the oldest medical association in the country. The APA is also the largest psychiatric association in the world with more than 37,400 physician members specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, prevention and research of mental illnesses. APA’s vision is to ensure access to quality psychiatric diagnosis and treatment. For more information please visit www.psychiatry.org.