As the shock of Tuesday's tragedy begins to wear off, University students, faculty and staff are all reflecting and coping with last weeks events in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania in different ways.
According to the University Medical Center's IQ Health System Web site, some Americans may face acute stress, which can last from four to six weeks or a delayed onset lasting up to six months due to shock and fear.
"Students are absolutely stunned and horrified," University spokeswoman Louise Dudley said. Dudley said she believes there will be a long process and period of grieving for many Americans. In addition, many people may have friends and family members that were killed or are still missing.
"We've never experienced anything like this before," Dudley said.
The first step in trying to cope and resume life as usual is communicating and discussing cares and concerns with others suffering through the same tragedy said Dr. Russ Federman, director of the University's Counseling and Psychological Services .
"What has happened nationally will effect each person against the backdrop of their own life," he said.
There is a wide range of emotions and reactions that are considered "normal" such as uncertainty, a sense of not being in control, anxiety, depression, and fear, Federman said. If one begins to feel he or she is having trouble coping on a day-to-day basis, it is best to talk to a counselor or psychologist, which are available at Student Health, he said.
Thus far, "there has been a fairly low utilization of the services," Federman said. "Students naturally turned to friends and family for support."
In the days to come administrators are not sure how students, staff and faculty will continue to react to last week's events. "Each day will be an indicator and adjustments will be made accordingly," Federman said.
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