|
|
In the Aftermath of the Virginia Tech Tragedy
The SU community is shocked and saddened by the recent shooting rampage at Virginia Tech in which over 30 people were killed and more than two dozen others injured. This is reported to be the deadliest campus killing spree in US history. We feel deeply for the students, faculty and staff of Virginia Tech and their family and loved ones.
Unfortunately, tragic events do occur on university campuses. CAPS would like to offer some information on typical responses to a tragedy like this and how to best assist students and one another during the days and weeks ahead.
Large scale killings and mass disasters operate on two levels: the physical and the psychological. Even those who do not personally experience the obvious physical damages may be victims of the psychological assault and its aftermath. We can all play a role in helping one another deal with these unthinkable events in a manner that facilitates healing and recovery.
CAPS offers the following information, resources and suggestions in light of the recent Virginia Tech shooting spree:
Everyone experiences crisis at some points during life. A crisis may be personal, such as a death or the loss of a relationship, or community-wide, such as a fire on campus. Examples of crisis or trauma situations include deaths, natural disasters, violent crime, sexual assault and abuse, the aftermath of
suicide, threats to public health, or campus or domestic violence. People may also experience trauma indirectly. For example, bystanders, friends or roommates of victims, family members, or public safety personnel who work with disaster or trauma victims may also be affected.
Each person responds to crisis or disaster differently. It is important though, to understand the potential reactions that accompany crisis and to know how to care for yourself during times of extreme stress.
Typical Responses to Crisis/Disaster
Emotional Responses
- Shock or denial
- Anger or irritability
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Depression
- Fear and anxiety
- Mood changes
- Numbness
- Guilt
- Grief
Behavioral Responses
- Changes in activity level
- Social withdrawal or isolation
- Restlessness, agitation or pacing
- Eating or appetite changes
- Sleep disturbance/insomnia
- Increased use of alcohol or drugs
- Inability to relax
Cognitive Responses
- Forgetfulness
- Difficulty making decisions
- Difficulty concentrating
- Dreams or nightmares of the event
- Confusion
- "Flashbacks" of crisis event
- Self-doubt
Physical Responses
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Headaches and/or back pain
- GI distress, nausea, vomiting
- Muscle tension
- Trembling
- Rapid heart beat
- Sweating or chills
- Dizziness
- Exaggerated startle response
- Weakness
Tips for Coping and Self-Care
- Reach out and make contact with others
- Talk with friends and loved ones
- Recognize and accept your feelings as "normal" responses to extreme circumstances
- Express your feelings appropriately; keep a journal to help in the process
- Structure your time
- Maintain your usual schedule as much as you can
- Get extra rest and set aside time to relax
- Eat regular balanced meals even if you don't feel hungry
- Exercise or participate in some regular physical activity
- Delay major decisions or changes in your life
- Avoid excessive use of alcohol or drugs
- Consider contacting Counseling and Psychological Services Center (CAPS) at x6090, or a mental health professional if symptoms persist
How to Support a Friend in Crisis
- Reach out and spend time with the person in crisis
- Make time to talk, encourage the person to express his/her feelings, and listen
- Respect the person's need to spend time alone, too
- Help with everyday tasks where possible...run errands, share a meal, pick up mail, care for a pet, etc.
- Don't try to offer false cheer or "fix things"...listening non-judgmentally to another is a powerful form of support
- Help the person connect with supportive resources on campus and in the community
- Encourage the person to contact CAPS or seek professional help when appropriate
- Take care of yourself and know your own limits
Campus Resources
CAPS ( Counseling and Psychological Services)
(206) 296-6090
www.seattleu.edu/student/counsel
Campus Ministry (206) 296-6075
http://www.seattleu.edu/campusministry
Student Health Center (206)296-6300
http://www.seattleu.edu/student/health
For Faculty:
Community Resources
Crisis Line (Seattle/King County) (206) 461-3222
http://www.crisisclinic.org/
Internet and National Resources
The American Psychological Association provides an excellent on-line pamphlet entitled
Managing Traumatic Stress: Tips for Recovering From Disasters and Other Traumatic Events:
http://www.apahelpcenter.org/articles/article.php?id=22
For information on the impact of traumatic stress, the American Psychological Association provides the online brochure: Mind/Body Health: The Effects of Traumatic Stress: http://www.apahelpcenter.org/articles/article.php?id=122
For University students, a good resource, provided by the American Psychological Association specifically for the Virginia Tech disaster is: Tips for College and University Students: Managing Your Distress in the Aftermath of the Virginia Tech Shootings:
http://helping.apa.org/articles/article.php?id=151
Information on bereavement:
http://www.utulsa.edu/cpsc/bereavement.htm
The following link s go to a helpful set of handouts for students, parents, and the campus community (pdf files) from PaperClip Communications (a provider of health, mental health and other brochures for colleges and universities) :
Topics include:
|
|
