Help available for those affected by Virginia Tech shooting

University communities around the world continue to be in shock following the horrific shooting at Virginia Tech on Monday.

Debbie Nifakis of McMaster's Centre for Student Development says following a traumatic event like this, even one that has happened in another community, some people can experience a stress reaction.

“Such a response to an overwhelming event is normal; and the response may be mild, moderate, or severe,” she says. “The form and severity of the reaction varies with each individual. Common symptoms could include: difficulty concentrating, anxiety or depression, feelings of numbness, loss of appetite, sleep difficulties, nightmares or feeling helpless. Generally, these symptoms will abate with time. We encourage everyone to take care of themselves in the next few days and weeks as more information becomes available about what happened at Virginia Tech.”

Nifakis offers this advice:

Talk with others whom you trust about your reactions;

Eat well, exercise, and rest as well as you can;

Limit the amount of media coverage you watch if you feel flooded or overwhelmed by the news;

Recognize that your reactions are normal and that the symptoms will improve with time.

As always, support is available for McMaster students who may feel the need to process their reactions with someone. Confidential counselling is available at CSD, MUSC B107, ext. 24711, Campus Health, MUSC B101, ext. 27700 and the Chaplaincy Centre, MUSC 231, ext. 24207.

For faculty and staff, the Employee Assistance Program is available to provide support.

“McMaster continues to work closely with the Hamilton Police Service on emergency preparedness on campus,” says Karen Belaire, chair of McMaster's Crisis Management Team. “A complete safety audit of buildings has been underway for several months; additional security cameras and communication methods are part of this program.”

Based on advice from Hamilton police, individuals in such a situation need to:

Exit a building or area safely if possible or

Lockdown in an office or other room with the door locked, window covered and lights out.

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University communities around the world continue to be in shock following the horrific shooting at Virginia Tech on Monday.  <br />
<br />
<p>Debbie Nifakis of McMaster&#039;s Centre for Student Development says following a traumatic event like this, even one that has happened in another community, some people can experience a stress reaction.  <br />
<br />
<p>"Such a response to an overwhelming event is normal; and the response may be mild, moderate, or severe," she says.  "The form and severity of the reaction varies with each individual.  Common symptoms could include: difficulty concentrating, anxiety or depression, feelings of numbness, loss of appetite, sleep difficulties, nightmares or feeling helpless.  Generally, these symptoms will abate with time.  We encourage everyone to take care of themselves in the next few days and weeks as more information becomes available about what happened at Virginia Tech."<br />
<br />
<p>Nifakis offers this advice:<br />
<br />
<p><li>Talk with others whom you trust about your reactions;<br />
<p><li>Eat well, exercise, and rest as well as you can;<br />
<p><li>Limit the amount of media coverage you watch if you feel flooded or overwhelmed by the news;<br />
<p><li>Recognize that your reactions are normal and that the symptoms will improve with time.<br />
<br />
<p>As always, support is available for McMaster students who may feel the need to process their reactions with someone.  Confidential counselling is available at CSD, MUSC B107, ext. 24711, Campus Health, MUSC B101, ext. 27700 and the Chaplaincy Centre, MUSC 231, ext. 24207.<br />
<br />
<p>For faculty and staff, the Employee Assistance Program is available to provide support.  <br />
<br />
<p>"McMaster continues to work closely with the Hamilton Police Service on emergency preparedness on campus," says Karen Belaire, chair of McMaster&#039;s Crisis Management Team. "A complete safety audit of buildings has been underway for several months; additional security cameras and communication methods are part of this program."<br />
<br />
<p>Based on advice from Hamilton police, individuals in such a situation need to:<br />
<br />
<p><li>Exit a building or area safely if possible or<br />
<p><li>Lockdown in an office or other room with the door locked, window covered and lights out.  <br />
<br />
<br />

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