Everyone will react differently following a tragic event. Some people may have very few common reactions. Some people may have several. Normally, these reactions will decrease over time, but it is important to seek out professional help if they:

• Persist for more than a few weeks.
• Worsen. 
• Start to get in the way of daily functioning. 
• Become more severe such as feeling suicidal, wanting to hurt yourself or others.
• Cause health issues.

Some Common Reactions

• Shock/denial, confusion, poor concentration.
• Anxious/worried, scared/fearful, changes in sleep/appetite.
• Poor memory, headache/stomach ache, tired/fatigued.
• Less motivation, disturbing images/memories, desire to take action/do something.
• Sadness/depression, helplessness/hopelessness, avoiding things associated with the event.
• Survivor’s guilt, withdrawal/self-isolating, no impact/reaction.
• For a more complete list, visit Impacts of Stress & Traumatic events

Helpful Strategies

Many of us have experienced stressful and traumatic events in our lives. We may have learned and used different coping strategies to get through difficult times. It is important to remember to use healthy coping skills and maybe learn a few new ones. Everyone will cope in their own way and at their own pace, so be patient with yourself and others who may be coping in their way. Here are a few healthy self-care strategies to remember and try:

• Get rest and sleep.
• Keep up with regular meals.
• Physical activity/keep up with exercise.
• Seek out support. 
• Continue a normal routine. 
• “Unplug” and avoid triggering news stories.
• Avoid increasing the use of caffeine, alcohol, and other substances.

For some, getting involved with the issue or finding some way to take action and make a difference is helpful. There are many examples of individuals who have done acts of service such as donating blood, volunteering with disaster relief groups, and getting involved with awareness-increasing efforts to cope with tragedy.

For a more complete list visit Impacts of Stress & Traumatic events.

Some professors may choose to use class time to talk about a tragic event. Depending on the nature of the class setting, a shorter conversation may be better than an entire class period to remove pressure from students who prefer not to discuss their reactions. Shifting back to class material for a portion of the class or returning to your normal schedule as soon as possible may also be helpful and comforting to those students (and perhaps yourself too). Students may need normalcy, routine, and academics/work to occupy their thoughts.

We recognize that no two tragedies are the same. Faculty may want to lead discussions about the event or may not feel equipped, trained, or mentally ready. Faculty and staff have permission to choose not to lead the discussion. Professors are encouraged to empower students to choose if they want to attend or not attend class without penalty. Inform about the nature of the class/discussion ahead of time to give students space to choose. Be sure to acknowledge the benefit of talking with a trusted faculty member.

In the wake of a crisis or disaster, it is often helpful to provide students with a structured opportunity to discuss their experiences. Plan your class response. The Counseling Center and Dean of Students Office are available to consult for guidance. Tragedies that are more personally connected to class members, unexpected, on-campus, or following other recent tragic events can be more traumatic and may require more in-class time and attention. Even those not directly affected by the events may feel waves of emotions and often experience “survivor's guilt”. Allowing students to talk about their experiences with a trusted faculty member is one of the best ways to reestablish a sense of security and to help students cope with their stress and grief. 

Tips for leading a classroom discussion:

Communication with students should be coordinated and share official information only. While it can be frustrating, sometimes official information may be limited as to what can be shared based on family wishes or may be slow to be released based on when official information is known. Typically, in consultation with other offices, Department Chairs will be the ones to decide what, where, and how messaging will be shared. If in doubt, please consult with the Dean of Students Office before sharing information.

Set ground rules for your discussion time. Some recommended ground rules include avoiding blame and speculation, respecting each other’s views, avoiding inflammatory language, not pressuring students to share, instructing that individuals should only speak for themselves, and that you can’t guarantee confidentiality. Remind them that the purpose of the discussion is for feelings, thoughts, and reassurance; it is not about establishing the facts of the incident or solving any immediate problems. 

Keep yourself informed of the facts. Students will be looking for information – be careful not to spread or reinforce rumors. Students, faculty, and staff need to understand that the facts may take time to be known and that they may be limited due to privacy issues. It is OK to say you don’t know something or explain that due to privacy or the recentness of the event, some things may not be known or shared yet.

Resources to share with students:

• The University Counseling Center (UCC) offers support and resources for any student experiencing a difficult emotional reaction to a loss or tragedy. Students can visit the UCC’s website for self-help information and resources on a variety of topics, including grief, and information on seeking help if they are in crisis. Students can schedule an in-person or telehealth appointment or learn about other services by calling 616-331-3266. 
• The CARE team can provide a wide range of outreach and support to students from a holistic approach. Faculty and staff are encouraged to file a CARE report about any student that they feel may need additional support during this time. 

Some general strategies may include:

• Do not be afraid to ask how your students are doing regarding the recent tragedy. Let their answers guide the discussion Some students may also want to offer their own stories or memories. You might say something like “I’m still (sad, shaken, upset) by the event. I’m glad to be back with all of you again. How are each of you (feeling, doing, coping)?”
• If someone chooses not to speak during a classroom discussion opportunity, remind them of your office hours, email address, and/or willingness to meet one-on-one.
• Remind your students that everyone (including yourself) has their own way of responding to tragedies, grief, and loss.
• Remember: you do not need to fix it, make it all better, or do anything – being genuine, attentive, caring, and a listener is already doing a lot to support your students.
• It is okay to circle back in a few weeks to check in on the class or individuals you may be worried about. 

If the tragedy was believed or known to be a death by suicide, this can cause additional reactions and questions that you may not have the answers to, and that is okay. To support your students, you can share: 

• Campus and other resources available and how students can access them
• Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. Encourage your students to reach out for help for themselves or others when they are in crisis.

If you choose not to provide time to talk during class, at least acknowledging that the event happened and that you are aware students may be impacted demonstrates your awareness and displays empathy and warmth to your students. It is still appropriate to share information about resources. If someone approaches you and is struggling, you can file a CARE report, provide resources, and/or set up a time to come and speak one-on-one. Remember to be flexible, compassionate, and patient.

It is important to be sensitive and acknowledge that your students may not be performing at their peak (concentration, memory, etc.) because of the way stress can impair cognitive abilities. Approach these situations with compassion and empathy. Students may need extra time to complete assignments, exams, attend memorial events, etc. If you make accommodations in response to the tragedy, be certain to maintain the professional nature of the faculty/student relationship and maintain consistency of academic expectations. Student Accessibilty Resources would be a good resource to consult with or refer individual students to if they need broad and ongoing support and accommodations.

Be sure to remind students about appropriate and applicable resources for support based on the nature of the event (e.g., the Dean of Students Office CARE Team, University Counseling Center, Office of Multicultural Affairs, LGBT Resource Center, Housing Staff, Campus Ministries, Veteran Resource Center, etc.). 

One last thing to remember as a faculty or staff member, take care of yourself. GVSU offers support to faculty and staff through Encompass (Employee Assistance Program). You can get more information by calling Human Resources (616-331-2215), calling Encompass (800-788-8630), or visiting their website. 

If a friend, loved one, or family member has experienced a tragedy, there are some things that you can do to help support them as they seek out their natural support network.

• Ask what they need.
• Listen, be supportive, don’t be critical!
• Spend time with the person.
• Offer your assistance and a listening ear even if they have not asked for help.
•  Reassure and comfort them.
•  Help them with everyday tasks like cleaning, cooking, caring for family, and taking care of children.
• Give them some freedom and private time, don’t be overprotective.
• Make sure they are taking time for themselves.
• Don’t take their frustration, anger, or other feelings personally.
• Don’t tell them that they are “lucky it wasn’t worse.” A traumatized person is not consoled by these statements. Instead, tell them that you are sorry such an event has occurred and that you want to understand and assist.
•  Be aware of resources that can help them feel safe again and recommend them.
• Don’t take it personally if they are not ready to talk about the details.
• Encourage them to explore resources about grief and loss, including online information, support groups, or workshops through the UCC or other community groups. 
• If you’re worried about their reactions or if their reactions are more severe than you feel comfortable with, get them to talk to a professional or seek consultation yourself to learn how to help. (Help them seek out professional help immediately if they experience suicidal thoughts, thoughts of self-harm or harming others, or if they have serious medical issues such as chest pains, panic attacks, etc.)

Be sure to remind your friend, loved one, or family member about appropriate and applicable resources for support based on the nature of the event:

University CARE Team (for students), University Counseling Center (for students), Encompass (for faculty/staff), Dean of Students Office (for students & faculty/staff), Student Accessibility Resources (for students & faculty/staff), Office of Inclusion and Equity, Office of Multicultural Affairs, LGBT Resource Center, Housing Staff, Campus Ministries,  Human Resources (for faculty/staff), Veteran Resource Center, Event Services (for students interested in hosting a vigil) and the Ombuds Office (for students & faculty/staff).