Guidance for Difficult Times

Seeking Help || Educational Handouts || Support Services for Military Families

Also see:
Conflict with Iraq: Berkeley campus news page and resources

Introduction
Current events -- conflict in the Middle East, global tensions, natural disasters, economic conditions -- all contribute to difficult times that can interfere with our ability to meet personal, academic and work demands. The following materials and resources have been compiled by University Health Services to help campus members manage, cope, and stay healthy -- as well as communicate respectfully and support one another constructively.

Please note, individuals who feel they could benefit from professional assistance are encouraged to seek help at the Tang Center. Please see contact numbers below.

When and How to Seek Help
Individuals vary in their ability to cope with stressful situations. If at any time you are having stress-related problems that persist or interfere with your health or well-being, especially if you feel overwhelmed, you may want to seek professional assistance.

On-campus assistance is available at the Tang Center:
Counseling for Students: (510) 642-9494
CARE Services for Faculty and Staff: (510) 643-7754

Educational Handouts
The following educational materials are in PDF format. They will be updated as needed.

Taking care of ourselves and others:

• How to Manage the Stress of These Difficult Times
• Healthful Hints for Stressful Times -- Downloadable handouts with useful tips for eating well, staying fit, sleeping well and more.

Personal communication:

• How to Have Supportive and Respectful Communication Among Friends, Classmates and Co-Workers

Guidelines for those in leadership positions:

• How to Support Others During These Difficult Times: Tools for Faculty, Managers, Supervisors, Residence Hall Directors and Others in Leadership Roles
• How to Facilitate Group Discussions
• How to Assist an Anxious Student

Support Services for Military Families

If your loved one are on active military duty, this can be a very emotional and stressful time for you. While your loved one is away, you may experience a wide range of emotions including feelings of anxiety, fear, loneliness, sadness, anger or depression. Following are some suggestions on various ways to access support and find helpful resources.

Join a support group or network with others in your situation. The military offers support services, and you can usually find support groups through community centers, churches, synagogues and mosques. Get in touch with other families who you know have loved ones called to duty. The military may be able to give you contact information about others in your geographical area who have loved ones overseas.

Use your existing support system as much as possible. Reach out to family members, friends and close colleagues, as well as other ongoing sources of support. You may be able to get help emotional support, as well as help with household and childcare needs that were formerly taken care of by your loved one who is on military duty.

Access services and information for military families. Contact and access the appropriate resources listed below for very helpful information provided by the military, Red Cross and others for families in your situation.

Helpful Resources
American Red Cross - the American Red Cross provides many services for military personnel and their families including help with emergency communication, financial assistance, counseling and veterans assistance.

Army Emergency Relief (AER) - is the Army's own emergency financial assistance organization which provides assistance to reservists and their families when needed. Phone: 703-428-0000

Family Separation and Readiness Guide - a comprehensive and helpful guide for members of the military, families and friends who are separated due to military deployments, remote assignments, extended tour of duty and other personnel separated from loved ones. It contains helpful guidance on the emotional, financial and practical needs of family members.

The Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society - provides financial, educational, and other assistance to members of the Navy and Marine Corps, eligible family members and survivors. 703-696-4904

U.S. Army Community and Family Support Center - helps military personnel with issues such as morale, welfare and support for family members.

Blue Star Moms - a diverse support group of mostly mothers of children who are serving in the military and a source of resource and support information.