How do people respond to tragedy?
(Sept. 11, 2001)--Kathleen Glash, director of counseling services, provides
the following information regarding the ways people respond to tragedy:
In light of the acts of terrorism that occurred in New York , Washington, D.C. and Pittsburgh today, UTSA Counseling Services offers to the university community some information about typical responses to such tragedies, and information about what kinds of reactions may warrant seeking additional counseling support.
Typical Responses:
-- Shock and disbelief: immediately after a learning about such a disaster,
many people may feel numb, or feel like such an event can't quite be real.
-- Speculation about what happened and seeking more information, such as listening
to or watching the news, checking the web for updates, talking to others about
what you each know or have heard.
-- Feeling sadness or anger about the tragedy and discussing this with family,
friends, colleagues.
-- Wanting to check in with loved ones, even if they are not close to the
disaster, or in any immediate danger. It is normal to want to touch base with
someone you care about.
In the hours and days following such tragedies, the shock begins to wear off, and more feelings may emerge, such as sadness and anger. It is important to share these feelings with people that you trust. For some people, the level of feelings or the kinds of questions that emerge may indicate that additional counseling support would be helpful.
Circumstances or signs that may lead you to seek additional counseling support:
-- 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 a 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?
Anyone experiencing any of these circumstances, or who wishes to talk to a counselor for additional support, should call the Counseling Center at (210) 458-4140 or drop by Counseling Services on the 2nd Floor, west wing of the University Center, 1604 Campus, to see a counselor. The Downtown Campus clinic is located behind the bookstore in the Buena Vista Street Building, or call (210) 458-2930.
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