Following a tragedy like the mass shooting that took place at 51ԹϺ on Dec. 6, it’s typical for those affected to experience a variety of emotions or challenges. Trauma-related symptoms can manifest both mentally and physically, but when it becomes too much to handle on your own — or perhaps you feel like you’re feeling nothing at all — you may ask: Is what I’m feeling normal?
After a trauma like the shooting we experienced, it’s typical for people to experience a variety of emotions and challenges. “Some people feel shock, sorrow, numbness, fear, anger, grief, disillusionment, difficulty concentrating or eating, and so on,” says Jamie Davidson, a licensed psychologist and associate vice president for Student Wellness at 51ԹϺ. “My goal is to help people understand that’s part of the human body’s response to trauma. It’s normal. And no one person has exactly the same trauma response as someone else.”
It’s not unusual for survivors of a traumatic event to feel guilt. To process this emotion, it may help to find a way to honor those who died or were injured by remembering them in private, or in connection virtually with your family, your faith community, or the community at large.
According to Davidson, many students have already made counseling appointments at the Student Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) since last week; throughout this week, CAPS had offered drop-in crisis support services in collaboration with 51ԹϺ Practice, Center for Individual, Couple & Family Counseling (CICFC), and clinical faculty. The last drop-in session session for students will be held Friday, Dec. 15 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the Student Recreation & Wellness Building, Health Education Room.
Students returning home can use CAPS telehealth appointments or may want to seek out in-person services from a counselor in their city.
Davidson encourages the campus community to seek out other mental health resources listed on the 51ԹϺ Strong website, including the Employee Assistance Program for faculty and staff.
He also notes that the , which offers expertise in trauma-informed care, is available to anyone in the community. In addition to trauma-informed counseling expertise, the center will be offering support groups.
“It’s for people to have a place to talk with others and just share. There’s a lot of healing that comes when you’re talking, sharing, and supporting your colleagues.”
For those asking how long they can expect to feel this way, Davidson reminds that there’s no single answer to this.
“Some people may have a very mild response to trauma,” he says. “And we know that proximity and past history of trauma tends to increase the distress that you feel. I’m especially concerned about our survivors of the Route 91 Harvest Festival shooting and our veterans. I strongly encourage them to proactively seek support."
And he notes that these services will continue to remain available to the campus community long term.
"It can be weeks for some, and it can be months for others," before you may feel you are getting past the initial trauma. "There’s just a lot of ‘depends’ there, so… be patient with yourself. You need to be very sympathetic to yourself.”
Trauma Symptoms & How You Can Cope
- Seek support from family and friends. Talking with others can be healing. Support groups through the can connect you to others who shared your experience.
- Structure your time. Having a predictable routine will help you to improve your functioning.
- Be sure to eat well-balanced meals and stay hydrated (even if you don’t feel like it!).
- Avoid tobacco, alcohol, drugs, and excessive caffeine. Although using substances may seem to be helpful, this can often cause more unpredictable emotional responses.
- Sleep and get plenty of rest. This may be difficult, but rest is important.
- Give yourself permission to feel different. You may lose motivation, be unable to study, or lay around doing nothing.
- Alternate exercise with relaxation will alleviate some of the stress.
- You may have recurring thoughts, dreams, or flashbacks – they are normal and will decrease over time.
- Try not to take things personally. Realize that those around you are under stress and may react differently.
