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In light of the acts of
terrorism that occurred in New York and Washington D.C. on
September 11, 2001, I asked staff from the Student Counseling Center at Florida State
University and the Employee Assistance Program to put together an
article to help RAs know more about typical
responses to such tragedies, and to know what kinds of
reactions may warrant seeking additional counseling support.
Thanks to Andrew J. Dobo,
M.A., M.S. for putting together this article
UNDERSTANDING
RESPONSES TO TRAGEDY
As we all struggle with
the recent terrorist events and the tragic loss of life, it may be
helpful to keep a few things in mind regarding how people
typically manage traumatic events. It is very important to
recognize that people deal with these situations differently and
there is no one "right way." The following are common
characteristics of the process people typically experience.
Initial Stage: A
State of Shock and Numbness:
1. From the first
reports and throughout continuing coverage we are likely to feel
emotionally overwhelmed and numb, or feeling like this cannot be
really happening.
2. We feel helpless to
do anything and can only watch the events unfold. Although we
experience strong and powerful emotions we are not yet able to put
them into words. This initial state is characterized by a desire
to get information and understand what has happened. For most of
us this includes watching TV or listening to radio coverage. We
may replay the images in our head and consider the possible
reactions of those directly involved.
3. The numbness often
times is replaced by a sense of agitation or anxiousness as we
consider our own vulnerability to tragedies of all types.
4. Although we may not
want to talk, there is often a desire to be around others during
this time. The strong sense of community is a valuable resource.
Whether it is in a residence hall, in a classroom, or in a prayer
service it is important that we find ways to connect with others
during the day.
5. Forcing someone to
talk is not the most valuable thing during the early hours of a
traumatic event. Instead, it is important to provide a context for
community members, whether they are students, staff, or faculty to
talk about the events, as they are ready.
6. Some of us are less
comfortable with strong emotions or with feeling of powerlessness.
There is sometimes a desire to avoid the emotional content by
engaging intellectual discussions about the events and their
implications. This is a reasonable coping strategy. Remember,
people deal with situations differently and at a different pace
and not all people can or want to deal with the situation in this
manner.
7. Others may be
comfortable in expressing emotions and may want to cry or talk,
this is also normal. Talk to friends, family members, colleagues,
or counselors.
8. There may be a desire
to check in with loved ones even if they were not close to the
disaster, or in any immediate danger. This is a normal response.
9. Traumatic events can
be particularly difficult for those who have experienced other
tragedies. It may bring back thoughts and feeling that they
thought were resolved. This is a normal function of our emotional
and memory systems. It may be valuable to speak with others who
shared the previous experience, and to draw support from those
around us.
Second Stage: As
the event continues to unfold we may experience some of these
normal reactions:
Increase fear,
anger, frustration, or despair
Difficulty sleeping or eating
Agitation or anxiety; trembling or nauseous
Sadness and weeping
Difficulty concentrating or sustaining focus
Irritability and low tolerance for frustration
Hyper-vigilance
Disorientation of time (particularly the passage of time)
*It is important to share these feelings with people you trust.
HOW TO HELP
Initial way to engage
the person:
Make personal
contact (ask name and offer your name).
Provide a place for people to gather and share information and
support.
Help with physical comfort (water, hot drinks, snacks, etc.
canfeel nurturing and supportive).
Provide information if you have accurate sources.
If possible help students get in touch with family members
(offer office phone if possible).
Use appropriate touch, gentle holding is appropriate.
Know referral sources for additional help if necessary.
Things to say:
Where were you when
you heard?
What have you heard recently?
How do you think others are doing?
Is there anything you need?
Do you wish to call someone?
I will stay with you if you like.
Things to not say:
How are you feeling?
You ( or your loved ones) were very lucky.
It could have been worse
It is Gods will
There is a reason for this
Dont cry (it is important to let the person express their
emotion)
Calm down
I know how you feel
Summary
Talk Allow
student to talk as needed. Stay engaged.
Tears - Accept tears as normal and provide comfort ( but do
not say calm down or quite crying)
Appropriate touching can be helpful, a gentle touch on the arm
or shoulder can be very comforting.
Telephones - Assist students in contact family, clergy, etc.
Circumstances or signs
that may lead you to seek additional counseling support (or refer
someone for additional counseling)
Do you have friends
or family members in New York or Washington, D.C.?
Is this event bringing up recollections of previous loss,
trauma, or crisis that you or loved one have faced?
Are your experiencing heightened feelings of anxiety, fear for
your safety, or rage?
Are you crying more than usual in response to sadness?
Are you wondering what to tell your children about this event
or how they will react?
If you
are experiencing any of these circumstances, or just wish to talk
to a counselor for additional support, call your Student
Counseling Center or speak to someone who can help you.
This information was
adapted by:
Andrew J. Dobo, M.A., M.S.
Psychology Intern
Student Counseling Center
Florida State University
from email messages
from:
Rick Hanson, Ph.D.
Counseling Center Director
Rockhurst University
Anika C. Fields, Ph.D.
Student counseling Center Director
Florida State University
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