Helping Students in Uncertain Times

Strategies for Managing Anxiety in Uncertain Times

Managing Traumatic Stress: Tips for Recovering From Natural Disasters - American Psychological Association

Tips for College and University Students: Managing Your Distress in the Aftermath of Shootings

How to talk about a Crisis in Class -- Tips for Faculty

Coping With Reactions to Mass Tragedy and the Aftermath

• Changes in activity level
• Social withdrawal or isolation
• Eating or appetite changes
• Sleep disturbance/ insomnia
• Increased use of alcohol or drugs
• Inability to relax

• Forgetfulness
• Difficulty making decisions
• Difficulty concentrating
• Dreams or nightmares of the event
• Confusion
• "Flashbacks" of crisis event
• Self-doubt

• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Headaches and/or back pain
• GI distress, nausea, vomiting
• Muscle tension
• Trembling
• Rapid heart beat
• Sweating or chills
• Dizziness
• Exaggerated startle response
• Weakness

• Reach out and make contact with others.
• Talk with friends and loved ones.
• Recognize and accept your feelings as "normal" responses to extreme circumstances.
• Express your feelings appropriately; keep a journal to help in the process.
• Structure your time.
• Maintain your usual schedule as much as you can.
• Get extra rest and set aside time to relax.
• Eat regular balanced meals even if you don't feel hungry.
• Exercise or participate in some regular physical activity.
• Delay major decisions or changes in your life.
• Avoid excessive use of alcohol or drugs.
• Contact Counseling and Psychological Services at 703-993-2380, or a mental health professional if symptoms persist.

How to Support a Friend in Crisis

• Reach out and spend time with the person in crisis.
• Make time to talk, encourage the person to express his/her feelings, and listen.
• Respect the person's need to spend time alone, too.
• Help with everyday tasks where possible...run errands, share a meal, pick up mail, care for a pet, etc.
• Don't try to offer false cheer or "fix things"...listening non-judgmentally to another is a powerful form of support.
• Help the person connect with supportive resources on campus and in the community.
• Encourage the person to contact the Counseling Center or seek other professional help when appropriate.
• Take care of yourself and know your own limits.

Thank you to Mary Washington College Psychological Services Center for sharing prepared printed materials with Mason.