The LIGHT Center, T-90, College of the Redwoods (476-4290) - September 17, 2001

NOTHING TO SAY
This has been a difficult week for everyone. It really didn't matter whether one is American or not, the scale of the devastation that has taken place is mind-boggling. Each time the videos are played on TV is a reminder of what has occurred. There is little comfort to be found in words.

I am writing about this topic not to remind everyone of the events, but to discuss and reflect on how we deal with such tragedies and how they affect our professional lives and our personal lives. Casey's memo of last week informed us that one of our own faculty has been touched directly by this. It seems that no matter with whom you speak, someone knows someone affected.

Everyone has their own way of dealing with such tragedy. Reactions are very individual and very personal. Often our own feelings and reactions put us at odds with what see observe going on around us. For example, I spoke with individuals who were disturbed that things just… go on. People remained at their jobs, doing what they do as though nothing had happened. Some people really needed to take time to be at home with their loved ones, dealing at an emotional level with the events in New York and Washington. For students with disabilities, the emotion of it all brings back memories that can be very painful. Whether that be recollections of an auto accident in which they were injured, domestic violence in which they were harmed, or some other situation, worldwide tragedy takes on a different perspective. It hits a different nerve, one that can trigger depression, tears, and sometimes discussion of suicide. Those with PostTraumatic Stress Syndrome can be particularly affected by such events.

There are other ways that people try to grasp the scope of tragedy. There are those who want to simply carry on as usual. They want to go to work, do their thing as they always do. This is a way of finding security in the routine and familiarity of life. Tragedy is always sudden and devastating, and the more one can keep the regular routine, the better they are able to process and cope with the events at hand. There are also those who simply don't want to have to deal with the events at all. I spoke with many people who indicated that they knew of the events but did not turn on the TV or radio to hear the most current reports. For some people events can be so hurtful and so disruptive that just out of self-preservation they choose not to pay attention to it.

The bottom line here is that everyone has to process and deal with the events of last week and the events that will unfold in the coming weeks and months in their own way. Be patient and understanding of those whose world has been turned upside down. Try to be just a bit more supportive of your co-workers and your students, as everyone is in the same boat here. In situations such as this it makes little difference where you are from, or what you do, everyone needs support, understanding and space to deal with things.

Comments? mailto:trish-blair@redwoods.edu

SOMETHING TO DO
There is essentially nothing written on how to deal with the stress and emotions conjured up by such devastation. One would hypothesize that the shock will turn to sadness, the sadness to anger, and eventually the anger to acceptance. The acceptance part is the hard one, especially when the act is totally unacceptable to any sane human being. However, here are some additional thoughts and ideas to keep in mind over the next while when you deal with your co-workers and students.

• Realize that everyone has to work through the issues at hand in their own time. For younger students who may not have encountered such tragedy in their lives prior to this, they are dealing with a loss of a sense of safety and innocence.
• Don't negate your feelings. It is easy to be embarrassed by how you react or feel in these situations. You feel how you feel and denying that does not speed healing.
• Be there for your friends, co-workers and students. Take the time to listen if asked, your ear will be appreciated.
• Realize that others may have reactions that bring back feelings of despair, fear. Don't negate the feelings of others.
• Be patient. It will take things a while to fall back into a more familiar "feel". Maybe they never will.