The personal response to a crisis or traumatic event varies according to the individual. After the acute emotional reactions to trauma, individuals are usually able to return to a general sense of emotional stability. However, some people do not feel the full emotional impact of a crisis or trauma for weeks, months, or, in rare cases, much longer. Clearly, the response to ongoing stress may affect individuals’ personal and work life. In addition, the unprecedented media coverage in the past weeks and at present keep this crisis very immediate for all members of our community.
While individuals with pre-existing mental health problems can be particularly vulnerable to the effects of traumatic stress, the general public may also be experiencing extraordinary stress. Students who customarily are able to function in school, at work, or in leisure activities are feeling overwhelmed, fatigued, distracted, irritable, anxious, apathetic, or sad. Sleep disturbance, nightmares, recurrent thoughts or images may all be contributing to student difficulties at this time. Students may be behind in their work or not performing in a typical manner but not really knowing why these changes have occurred. Some students may be more vulnerable to colds and viruses.
Specific suggestions for responding to distressed students: |
- Give students time to deal with the experiences. When a crisis has occurred, it's difficult for all of us to concentrate. Acknowledging the events through various methods (a moment of silence, a discussion, etc.) can help students refocus and move on to the class work.
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- Let students know that complex feelings are normal (anger, sadness, resentment, anxiety, fear, numbness). Be aware that some people "shut down" when faced with overwhelming stress. Give them space if they seem to need it. Don't assume that if someone seems to be unconcerned about the crisis that that reflects their true feelings.
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- Be aware of any signs that the student could be in need of professional help. See Common Reactions to Psychological and Emotional Trauma for information.
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- Communicate that it's important to focus on facts as they appear, and help them realize that while it's human nature to share rumors, rumors can also be destructive.
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- Listening is always helpful. Being a good listener is an invaluable tool to help those in distress. Avoid judgment or taking the feelings personally. Talking it out is a useful way to reduce trauma.
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- Know your limits. Be aware of what you can offer and what you cannot offer. You can choose your own level of openness and you can set limits on how much time you can devote to helping those in crisis. Encourage students to seek the appropriate counseling if that is what they need.
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- Model a constructive approach to discussion. Redirect the discussion if it takes a negative direction by gently directing the conversation to ways in which students can help others. Give information about blood drives and fund raising for the relief efforts. Encourage students to provide emotional support to others.
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- Be sensitive to the needs of students who are affected in a different way. Students who come to the U.S. from other countries may have grown up in an atmosphere of terrorist activity and/or war. These students may have different reactions than students who have not grown up in that atmosphere. Be inclusive. Understand and accept their experiences.
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- Show your support of students who may be experiencing stereotyping, racism, and/or fear for their personal safety. These students may physically resemble alleged perpetrators of the violence. Reaching out to these students is a way to acknowledge that they are affected by the crisis as well.
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- Take care of yourself. Be sensitive to your own needs as well as those of others. During a time of crisis, everyone needs additional rest, healthy eating, time to relax, and time to vent your own feelings.
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- If you become concerned about a student, encourage the student to make an appointment at Counseling & Consultation. You may also call a C&C counselor for a consultation about how to assist the student.
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