From: Matthew Pucciarelli
Sent: Tuesday, November 17, 2015 5:01 PM
To: Matthew Pucciarelli
Cc: Luis G. Manzo
Subject: Guidance from the St. John's Wellness Team
Paris Campus Students,
Following traumatic events like those that occurred last Friday, it is not uncommon to feel a full range of strong
emotions. You might be feeling stunned, disoriented, angry, sad, powerless, numb, frustrated, guilty, lonely, anxious,
and even happy that you and your loved ones were physically unscathed by these events. All of these feelings are
normal reactions to disturbing events. At times these feelings can be intense, unpredictable and overwhelming. Below
are a number of steps you can take to help move forward and restore and a sense of control.
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Seek out people who care for and support you. Share your reactions, thoughts, and how the experience
impacted you. Ask for support from people who care about you and who will listen and empathize with
your situation.
Know that the reactions to trauma described above are normal responses to a very abnormal experience.
They occur in varying degrees of severity and type for each person.
Keep busy! Focus on your projects and classroom assignments. Research indicates that keeping focused on
day-to-day, required tasks or routines helps mitigate the effects of stress.
Recognize that this is a challenging time, but also one that you can work to manage. You've tackled
hardships at other times in your life. Tap into the skills you used to get through past challenges.
Limit the amount of time that you watch details about the tragedy on TV.
“Baby yourself” – eat well, get your sleep, and do nurturing things.
Express your feelings with your art! Drawings, poetry etc. are all healthy ways to manage the feelings.
Consider writing a journal of your experience or feelings.
Seek to gain perspective on the experience. This is often helped by participation in counseling. Other aids
may include meditation, reading, spiritual refection or involvement in support groups.
Consider sending cards, emails of support. Helping others often is the healthiest way to manage our own
feelings of powerlessness.
Avoid alcohol and drugs.
Hold off on major life decisions if possible because these activities tend to be highly stressful.
Everyone copes with trauma differently. Some will seem to come through the experience unscathed. Later, some may
begin to have delayed reactions. Others will react strongly from the start. The important thing is to be kind to yourself
and do what works for you.
Most importantly, remember that we are here for you. If you need to talk to someone, please contact the Paris team or
their colleagues in the Office of Global Studies ([email protected]; 718-990-6105) and they will arrange for a
session.
Sincerely,
Luis G. Manzo, Ph.D.
Executive Director of Student Wellness & Assessment
Matthew Pucciarelli
Associate Vice President for Global Studies