University of Central Florida Counseling Center

Coping with Tragedy

Many of us in the UCF Community have been deeply affected by the enormous tragedies that continue to stun us; our entire nation (Sept. 11th and Hurricane Katrina), our campus (shooting of a UCF police officer) and the continued unpredictability that exists locally and globally (the Iraq war). We can expect to have a variety of conflicting feelings for some time to come. It is important to recognize that individuals may cope in different ways to tragedy.

Shock and disbelief
Emotional numbing
Speculation and confusion about what happened
Seeking more information
Feeling sadness or anger
Wanting to talk with loved ones
Fatigue/Exhaustion
Sleep disturbance
Headaches
Difficulty concentrating
Guilt
Over-sensitivity
Concern about safety
Fear of future violence
Increased emotional arousal

Helpful Things to Try

Talk to others about your feelings, fears and uncertainties.
Spend time with people you trust and cherish.
Listen to others. Help someone express their feelings.
Don’t berate yourself for having reactions.
Structure your time keeping your life as normal as possible.
Don't attempt to numb emotional pain with alcohol or drugs.
Give yourself permission to "fall apart," feel upset, or cry.
Accept help from others.
Realize that your feelings may not be comfortable, but they are normal and expected.
Keep a journal. Write your way through those sleepless hours.
Pray, meditate, and appreciate the sanctity of life.
Seek support through counseling.

For students needing further assistance or for parents, faculty or staff needing consultation, contact the Counseling Center at 407-823-2811 OR visit our center in Counseling, building 27, next to the Health Center.

For faculty & staff
Please call Horizon Health (Employee Assistance Program) at
407-788-8822 or 800-272-7252.




Resources for Coping With a Tragedy Coping with Tragedy Many of us in the UCF Community have been deeply affected by the enormous tragedies that continue to stun us; our entire nation (Sept. 11th and Hurricane Katrina), our campus (shooting of a UCF police officer) and the continued unpredictability that exists locally and globally (the Iraq war). We can expect to have a variety of conflicting feelings for some time to come. It is important to recognize that individuals may cope in different ways to tragedy. Some Things You Might Experience Include: Shock and disbelief Emotional numbing Speculation and confusion about what happened Seeking more information Feeling sadness or anger Wanting to talk with loved ones Fatigue/Exhaustion Sleep disturbance Headaches Difficulty concentrating Guilt Over-sensitivity Concern about safety Fear of future violence Increased emotional arousal Helpful Things to Try Talk to others about your feelings, fears and uncertainties. Spend time with people you trust and cherish. Listen to others. Help someone express their feelings. Don’t berate yourself for having reactions. Structure your time keeping your life as normal as possible. Don't attempt to numb emotional pain with alcohol or drugs. Give yourself permission to "fall apart," feel upset, or cry. Accept help from others. Realize that your feelings may not be comfortable, but they are normal and expected. Keep a journal. Write your way through those sleepless hours. Pray, meditate, and appreciate the sanctity of life. Seek support through counseling. For students needing further assistance or for parents, faculty or staff needing consultation, contact the Counseling Center at 407-823-2811 OR visit our center in Counseling, building 27, next to the Health Center. For faculty & staff Please call Horizon Health (Employee Assistance Program) at 407-788-8822 or 800-272-7252. The American Psychological Association has brochures available on resilience in a time of crisis (hurricane, war etc...) The American Red Cross The Counseling Services at SUNY Buffalo has information on their website as well as a list of other internet resources Tips for College Students on Coping with the War and Terrorism
							Last Updated: February 15, 2008 11:43 AM