Thoughts From The FSAP During These Uncertain Times

During these times, you or your loved ones may experience some signs and symptoms of distress. What follows are some things to try to monitor. If you have any of these signs for a prolonged period of time, you may want to visit the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program. We are located at 1300A 36th St., NW and our phone number is 687-2409.

What to expect

• Sleeplessness, disturbances of appetite and a feeling of psychological numbness
• Nightmares, flashbacks or images from the media, and intruding thoughts about the tragedy
• Irritability with family members, colleagues, and people whom we serve
• Reactivation of feelings of grief and other experiences from previous losses
• Difficulties with mental concentration
• Hypervigilance or feeling more nervous or cautious than usual
• Episodes of unexplained anger, weeping, fear, or other strong emotions
• Expect that the things that usually irritate or upset us about our jobs and/or colleagues might be amplified during this period of heightened emotions and take it into account in how you respond in situations.

Consider doing

• Talk to your supervisor especially if the feelings you are experiencing are becoming overwhelming.
• Check in with others to make sure they're OK and ask them to check in with you.
• Recognize the risks of self-medication?be careful about alcohol use, drugs and/or prescription medications at times like this.
• Talking about your feelings, thoughts, and reactions to this tragedy over and over is very helpful. Repeating your story of the events and how you processed them can be therapeutic.
• Contact the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program for counseling, resources, and departmental assistance.

Want more information on the grief and loss process?

Grief and Loss Handout

Or Visit These Links