Reactions to Tragic Loss

As details about the tragic death of one of our students unfolds, you may find yourself shocked and distressed. It is normal to have a wide range of feelings and reactions after a traumatic event. If you have experienced past traumas, including deaths, losses, violence or other assaults, you may be experiencing memories and feelings from those events and have increased symptoms now.

Common Reactions
Please recognize that experiencing any of these can be normal reactions and that, with time, there is a natural healing process which occurs. Over the next few days or weeks you may experience periods of:

It is also normal to have no reaction at all.

Coping with these Reactions
People can take steps to help themselves; family members and each other cope with stress reactions. This is a list of self-help suggestions.

1. Experience your feelings-you have the right to have feelings even if you were not directly affected
2. Remind yourself that you are normal and having normal reactions
3. Talk is one of the most healing medicines. Talk about your feelings with someone who feels safe to you
4. Pay attention to your reactions in order to plan for health and safety. Be aware of your diet, rest, exercise, and use of substances (caffeine, nicotine, alcohol & drugs).
5. Be good to yourself-spend time with people you care about and do things that make you feel better.
6. Remember that each person can experience trauma differently and that you and others may have different needs at different times; try to be flexible.
7. Don't make any big life changes
8. Remember that you are under stress and that you may not act or react in a manner you would normally expect.
9. Seek support from campus and community resources. Consult a mental health professional if you need assistance.

When and How to Seek Help
Stress reactions usually diminish in severity over time. However, if your symptoms persist, cause you excessive discomfort, or increase over time, you may want to seek professional assistance. Please call Counseling and Psychological Services at (510) 642-9494 if you need to talk with someone or come visit us at the Tang Center between 8am-5:30pm. Counselors are available on a drop-in basis between 10 am- 12 pm and between 1 pm- 5:30pm for urgent concerns. Care Services at (510) 643-7754 is available for faculty and staff.

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