INFORMATION FROM THE C.W. POST STUDENT HEALTH & COUNSELING CENTER:

The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 have deeply affected all of the C.W. Post community. The sense of loss and bereavement is profound. Terrorism seeks to strike at our sense of safety and well-being and to instill fear and a sense of helplessness in all our minds and hearts. As a community we seek ways to cope and support one another. As individuals we all can manifest a wide range of emotional, physical and cognitive responses to this horrific event. As a community, embracing our diversity and joining together in support of one another offers strength and a sense of safety for each of us and begins the healing process. Xenophobia, the fear of strangers (foreigners), is often provoked by terrorist attacks such as the ones we have experienced. It has the potential to undermine our sense of common bond and community and incite more injury and tragedy. We need to stand together and include all the members of our community in the outpouring of compassion and warmth that is so present now in our country.

The stress provoked in all of us by these recent attacks may take many forms. You need not be a direct victim of the attack or a family member of a victim to experience these reactions. Secondary traumatization can occur in friends of victims, from observing mass media coverage of the attacks, and in caregivers supporting those affected by the terrorist attacks. This indeed means all of us; students, faculty and staff have been placed at risk.

Some of the feelings that we all might experience include:

• grief, despair, depression and helplessness
• anxiety, nervousness, being easily frightened, worrying
• feelings of helpfulness and vulnerability
• hyperactivity and sleeplessness
• oversleeping and loss of energy
• hyper-vigilance and fearfulness, fear of leaving the house
• irritability, anger and hostility
• recurring thoughts involving re-living the experience accompanied by anxiety
• avoidance of anything involved with the trauma
• physical symptoms include headache, stomach upset, changes in appetite, sweats, chills, tremors
• changes in cognitive functions including problems concentrating, difficulty making decisions, memory problems and slowness of thinking
• increased alcohol and drug abuse

It is important to understand that these are all normal responses to a horrific trauma. These are all part of the healthy mind and body's response to the threat of impending danger. In approaching people you are concerned about, be careful to respect their defenses. If they are not comfortable discussing the event or their feelings about it, this is part of the defense system they need to cope with the trauma.

Some of the ways to reduce the stress created by this trauma include:

- Rest and recreation: Adequate sleep is important. Naps can be helpful. Participation in enjoyable activities and distractions allows the mind a chance to relax.

- Communicating with others: A strong emotional support group is very helpful in working through stress and developing a sense of safety. Close family relationships, religious affiliations and communicating with friends are important sources of support. The focus need not and should not be solely about the frightening event.

- Exercise: Athletic activity helps to work through the body's response to stress. Walking, jogging, swimming and aerobics are helpful ways of dissipating stress.

- Relaxation Exercises: This includes deep breathing exercises, visualization techniques and muscle relaxation exercises.

- Find positive ways to express grief through volunteering and helping others, writing, painting or other creative activities.

- Maintain good nutrition.

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Anyone who would like to speak with a counselor for free confidential assistance dealing with the stress of the recent events can contact:

Students: The Student Health and Counseling Center at 516-299-2345.

Staff and Faculty: The Psychological Services Center at 516-299-3211.