By Raquel Contreras, Ph.D., Director
Counseling and Psychological Services
Redfern Health Center
Counseling and Psychological Services offers support to the Orlando community, and to the LGBTQIA community, in particular. We offer our sincere condolences and stand in solidarity as we honor the rights of all and speak against injustice. This type of senseless tragedy touches the core of each one of us, and often, evokes reactions that go beyond words. Our initial reaction of disbelief may be followed by a myriad of emotions. A common response is to turn to supportive friends and family to sort through that which is unexplainable. Often, in spite of the distress, we can continue to function well as we tap on emotional resources to help ourselves and as we help others.
If the distress continues and it affects day-to-day functioning, Clemson University students are encouraged to access the services of Counseling and Psychological Services through our daily, walk-in clinic, (Monday – Friday) from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. We offer our strong support to Clemson’s students, and to our LGBT community and allies, in particular. Student Health Services remains committed to assist and enhance the overall health and well-being of all Clemson students.
For faculty and staff, Clemson provides an employee assistance program to university employees and their dependents/household members though Deer Oaks EAP, an outside resource for addressing work/life issues and living a happier, healthier, more balanced life. A variety of health and wellness, counseling, referral, and consultation services are available. Services are completely confidential, and there is no cost to faculty and staff for most services. Deer Oaks EAP services and contact information can be accessed here.
The following tips are offered from the American Psychological Association Help Center.
- 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. It often helps to speak with others who have shared your experience so you do not feel so different or alone.
- Strive for balance. When a tragedy occurs, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and have a negative or pessimistic outlook. Balance that viewpoint by reminding yourself of people and events which are meaningful and comforting, even encouraging. Striving for balance empowers you and allows 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. The images can be very powerful in reawakening your feeling of distress. Also, schedule some breaks to distract yourself from thinking about the incident and focus instead on something you enjoy. Try to do something that will lift your spirits.
- Honor your feelings.Remember that it is common to have a range of emotions after a traumatic incident. You may experience intense stress similar to the effects of a physical injury. For example, you may feel exhausted, sore or off balance.
- 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. In addition, alcohol and drugs may intensify your emotional or physical pain. Establish or re-establish routines such as eating meals at regular times and following an exercise program. If you are having trouble sleeping, try some relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation or yoga.
- Help others or do something productive. Locate resources in your community on ways that you can help people who have been affected by this incident, or have other needs. Helping someone else often has the benefit of making you feel better, too.
- If you have recently lost friends or family 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 your daily routine. Dealing with the shock and trauma of such an event will take time. It is typical to expect many ups and downs, including “survivor guilt” — feeling bad that you escaped the tragedy while others did not.
For full text, http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/mass-shooting.aspx
**Clemson to hold a service this evening to remember the Orlando shooting victims. Read more.
