Office Hours, Counseling And Psychological Services, Student Affairs, Northwestern University

The tragic events of February 14, 2008 at Northern Illinois Univesrity and the aftermath have had an effect around the country. Those on the NIU campus will be dealing with the effects of directly experiencing a trauma, as will those who lost someone they loved. However, there are effects for everyone who has witnessed the events on the news, especially those on a university campus. Some know someone who lost their life in the tragedy. Some have friends there and are dealing with the relief that they are OK but also the emotional impact of having someone close in danger. Some are alum of NIU and can directly relate to those who are there. Many can identify with the students, faculty, and staff involved and may have questions and fears about their own safety. Some may be experiencing grief at seeing others suffer. Some may be dealing with emotional issues and wonder what causes someone to commit an act of violence. For anyone who feels the impact or knows someone who has, please follow the link for resources.

You have experienced a traumatic event. Even though the event may be over, you may now be experiencing or may experience later, some strong emotional or physical reactions. It is very common, in fact quite normal, for people to experience emotional aftershocks (or stress reactions) when they have experienced a horrible event.

The signs and symptoms of a stress reaction may last a few days, a few weeks, a few months, or longer, depending on the severity of the traumatic event. Occasionally, the traumatic event is so painful that professional assistance may be necessary. This does not imply craziness or weakness. It simply indicates that the event was just too powerful for the person to manage by him or herself.

Within the first 24-48 hours, periods of appropriate physical exercise, alternated with relaxation will alleviate some of the physical reactions.

Structure your time; keep busy.

You are normal and having normal reactions; don’t label yourself crazy.

Talk to people; talk is the most healing medicine.

Beware of numbing the pain with overuse of drugs or alcohol; you don't need to complicate this with substances.

Reach out; people do care.

Maintain as normal a schedule as possible.

Spend time with others.

Help your peers as much as possible by sharing feelings and checking out how they are doing.

Give yourself permission to feel rotten and share your feelings with others.

Keep a journal; write your way through those sleepless hours.

If there is media coverage, limit your exposure.

Do things that feel good to you.

Realize those around you are under stress.

Don't make big life changes.

Do make as many daily decisions as possible which give you a feeling of control over your life (i.e., if someone asks you what you want to eat, answer them, even if you are not sure).

Get plenty of rest.

Don't try and fight reoccurring thoughts, dreams or flashbacks--they are normal and will decrease with time and become less painful.

Eat well-balanced and regular meals (even if you don't feel like it).

Things your friends and family can do to help you

Listen carefully.

Spent time with the traumatized person.

Offer your assistance and listening ear if they have not asked for help.

Reassure them that they are safe.

Help them with everyday tasks like cleaning cooking, caring for the family, minding children, etc.

Give them some private time.

Don't take their anger or other feelings personally.

Don't tell them that they are "lucky it wasn't worse;" a traumatized person is not consoled by those statements. Instead, tell them that you are sorry such an event has occurred and you want to understand and assist them.

(Adapted with permission from the CISM Information Pamphlet of the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, Inc.)

The information above, Critical Incident Stress Reaction, can be downloaded as a PDF.

Campus Resources

Counseling and Psychological Services

Other Resources

US Department of Health and Human Services: For University Studenst--In the Wake of Trauma

US Department of Health and Human Services: Tips for Survivors of a Traumatic Event: Managing Your Stress

APA Coping Tips for Students

For Those Impacted by the tragic events at Northern Illinois University