Over the next few weeks, you and/or your students may experience a number of reactions to the current tragedy. Having a reaction is both normal and expected. Following is a list of common reactions to stressful events and situations.

Physical Reactions	Cognitive Reactions	Emotional Reactions
Fatigue/exhaustion Sleep disturbance Underactivity/over activity Change in appetite Digestive problems Nightmares Muscle tremors/twitches Headaches Startled reactions	Difficulty concentrating Difficulty solving problems Flashbacks of the events Difficulty making decisions Memory disturbance Preoccupation with the event Lowered attention span Violent fantasies	Guilt Feelings of helplessness Emotional numbing Overly sensitive Fear/anxiety Sense of hopelessness Hyper vigilance Anger/irritability Moodiness

In addition to the above reactions, you and/or your students may experience a period of mild to moderate depression. These symptoms include:

Poor appetite
Social withdrawal/isolation
Persistent sad mood

Insomnia
Loss of sexual drive
Sleep disturbance

Lethargy/low energy
Difficulty concentrating
Intrusive thoughts

Again, these are normal reactions. Although painful, they are part of the recovery process. Where there is little anyone can do to take away these uncomfortable feelings, there are several things you can do to speed up the recovery process.

Things to try:

Within the first 24 to 48 hours, engage in periods of strenuous physical exercise alternated with relaxation (soothing music would be an additional bonus to your system)
Structure your time. Keep busy and keep your life as normal as possible
Don't berate yourself for having these reactions. After all, they are signs of your humanity
Talk to people about your feelings, fears, and uncertainties
Do not attempt to numb your emotional pain with drugs or alcohol
Reach out to others and spend time with people you trust and cherish
Help someone express his or her feelings. A very cathartic experience that should be shared
Give yourself permission to fall apart, feel rotten, and cry
Keep a journal. Write your way through those sleepless hours
Pray, meditate, and appreciate the sanctity of life. Tomorrow is never promised

If after several days, you find that you are still having difficulty adjusting to school, or with other parts of your life, don't hesitate to contact us at (410) 543-6070. We can help you get through this part of the healing process. We are also available to speak to groups of students, faculty, and staff.

Revised 4/07