HR Focus Areas > Safety and Health > Crisis Management

THE VIRGINIA TECH TRAGEDY:  WHAT EVERY COLLEGE STUDENT NEEDS TO KNOW

The recent events at Virginia Tech have touched everyone who is a student.  The following is offered as guidance to understanding our reactions to these events.

WHAT ARE NORMAL REACTIONS?

Your reaction to current events belongs to you – there is no “right” or “good” way to react.  The same is true for your friends, family, teachers and other students.

  • Some normal feelings and reactions may include, but are not limited to:

Numbness

Curiosity

Fear

Sadness

Worry

Anger

Frustration

Confusion

Black Humor

Sleep Problems

No Apparent Reaction

Loss of Appetite

TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF AND ENCOURAGING YOUR FRIENDS TO DO THE SAME

  • Consider doing something to recognize and make a positive difference in light of this horrible event.  Make a donation, write a letter, participate in an activity at school acknowledging this tragedy or do something consistent with your spiritual beliefs and traditions.
  • If you have any specific questions or concern about your safety or that of other students pursue it with a reliable source.
  • Eat and sleep well. 
  • Exercise.
  • Balance study, work and recreation.
  • Minimize use of alcohol and other non-prescription mood altering substances.  What seems like a good way to reduce stress, can reduce your resiliency, disturb your judgment and make you more vulnerable.
  • Maintain your routine.
  • Engage in normal, routine activities that support your personal safety: lock doors; be alert to your surroundings; share information about where you live, your phone number, email with people you know; travel in groups to select locations and after hours; use smart/safe internet practices.
  • If you are reacting strongly to the events in Virginia, limit your exposure to media coverage, share your concerns with one or more trusted friends and family members, take it a little slower in terms of demands you place on yourself and others, talk to someone at the SAP.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR FAMILY’S CONCERNS

  • Check in with your folks and brothers/sisters and see how they are doing generally, as well as with regard to the events in Virginia.
  • Take your cues from them, actively demonstrating your understanding and respect of their reaction.
  • Offer reassurance about your ability and commitment to take good care of yourself and keep yourself safe.
  • Share information about what is happening in your life and find out about them.

 

AETNA EAP

1-888-AETNA-EAP  (1-888-238-6232)

www.aetnaeap.com