Tips for Dealing with Recent Events

As a university student, you may be struggling to understand how recent events in the news and on campus could take place on a university campus and why such a thing would happen. There may never be satisfactory answers to these questions.

We do know, though, that it is typical for people to experience a variety of emotions. These feelings can include shock, sorrow, numbness, fear, anger, disillusionment, grief and others. You may find that you have trouble sleeping, concentrating, eating or remembering even simple tasks. This is common and should pass after a while. Over time, the caring support of family and friends can help to lessen the emotional impact and ultimately make the changes more manageable.

For many people, using the tips and strategies mentioned above will be sufficient to get through the challenge. Persevere and trust in your ability to get through the challenging days ahead is important. Taking the steps in this guide can help you cope at this very difficult time.

• Talk about it — Ask for support from people who care about you and who will listen to your concerns. Receiving support and care can be comforting and reassuring.
  
  
• Campus Services — The campus offers support services through its counseling center and campus ministry. It often helps to speak with others who have shared your experience so you do not feel so different or alone. If your parents seem particularly distressed, it may be because they are reacting to their own sense of not being able to control the college environment to keep you as safe as they would like.
  
  Counseling & ConsultationCenter – 110 Moody Hall; x8538
  Campus Ministry – 103 Mang House; x8499
  
  
• Strive for balance —Balance feelings of being overwhelmed and a pessimistic outlook by reminding yourself of people and events which are meaningful and comforting allowing for a healthier perspective on yourself and the world around you.
  
  
• Turn it off and take a break — You may want to keep informed, but try to limit the amount of news you take in whether it’s from the internet, television, newspapers or magazines. While getting the news informs you, being overexposed to it can actually increase your stress.
  
  
• Honor your feelings — Remember that it is common to have a range of emotions. Go a little easy on yourself and on your friends.
  
  
• Take care of yourself — Engage in healthy behaviors to enhance your ability to cope with excessive stress. Eat well-balanced meals, get plenty of rest, and build physical activity into your day. Avoid alcohol and drugs because they can suppress your feelings rather than help you to manage and lessen your distress.
  
  
• Help others or do something productive — Find out from your university or community how you can help people who have been affected.
  
  
• If you have recently lost friends in this or other tragedies — Remember that grief is a long process. Give yourself time to experience your feelings and to recover. For some, this might involve staying at home; for others it may mean getting back to school or work.