Many people feel traumatized by the sense of threats to their safety as well as by media exposure to violence. We may be concerned that we may become the victim or witness to violent events. War, terrorism, mass shootings and other violence permeates our news and social media feeds.

Whether you are directly or indirectly impacted, each person reacts differently to individual and collective trauma, and it is common and expected to experience a range of responses. Emotional responses can appear immediately or sometimes develop months later. Students without a network of support may have a more difficult time coping.

Understanding how you feel and taking positive steps to address those feelings can help you cope.

Common responses to trauma                  

• Disbelief and shock
• Disorientation; difficulty making decisions or concentrating
• Inability to focus on coursework and extracurricular activities
• Apathy and emotional numbing
• Sadness and depression
• Fear and anxiety about the future
• Intrusive thoughts; replaying events in our minds
• Excessive worry about safety and vulnerability; feeling powerless
• Crying for “no apparent reason”
• Irritability and anger
• Headaches and stomach problems
• Difficulty sleeping
• Extreme changes in eating patterns; loss of appetite or overeating
• Excessive use of alcohol or drugs
  
  

Tips for Coping

Talk about it. Encourage others to share their perspectives. Sharing your feelings with friends, classmates, professors, advisors and family will help you work through your emotions. Talking with others will relieve stress and help you realize that you’re not alone with your feelings.

Take care of yourself. Get plenty of rest and exercise. Do things that you find relaxing and soothing. Remember to eat nutritious foods. Limit your exposure to media reports and images of violence. Avoid excessive drinking and risk-taking activities. Try to maintain your usual routines.

Stay connected. Maintain contact with friends and family. Make plans to visit family or others who can offer reassurance. If you can’t visit them in person, increase your contact through phone calls and video chats.

Do something positive. Do something that will help you gain a greater sense of control (for example, give blood, attend a rally, advocate for change, collect donations or gather care packages for impacted people). Write letters to elected officials or get involved in activities, such as a candlelight vigil, benefit, discussion group or lecture.

Limit media exposure. Reduce the amount of social media, television and radio information about violence, terrorism and war to which you are exposed.

Express your creativity. Writing, dancing and drawing can be healing ways to cope with your thoughts and feelings.

Ask for help. If you feel overwhelmed by events, remember that it’s not a sign of weakness. Talk with a trusted friend, family member or spiritual advisor. Use campus resources, such as the college’s Counseling Services, or reach out to community resources, such as a local mental health association.

If you have distressing feelings that won’t go away, or if you’re troubled for longer than four to six weeks, you may want to seek professional help. Being unable to manage your responses to a crisis and to resume your regular activities may be a symptom of depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder. People who have existing mental health problems and those with a history of trauma may want to check in with a mental health care professional. Help is available! You don’t have to deal with this alone.

For additional information or to speak with a licensed professional counselor, please contact LCC Counseling Services.

*If you should be in crisis or immediate danger, call 911, 988 or the 24-hour Community Mental Health crisis line at 517-346-8460.

Counseling Services