Campus Resources and Support for Coping with Tragedy

May 5, 2008

Contents:

• Seeking Help for Yourself
• Seeking Help for Others
• Additional Resources

As details of tragedies unfold, you may find yourself shocked, scared or traumatized by this experience. For very public traumas, even those who haven't directly experienced the crisis may be affected. Most people will experience some emotional and/or physical after-effects.

Individuals who feel they could benefit from professional assistance are encouraged to seek help at the Tang Center; contact information is below. A few circumstances or signs that may lead you to seek counseling include:

• Do you have friends, colleagues or family members involved?
• Is this event bringing up recollections of a previous loss, trauma or crisis?
• Are you experiencing heightened feelings of anxiety, tension, fear for your safety or concentration problems?

Additional educational materials for coping with trauma and supporting others may be of assistance.

Seeking Help for Yourself

If you are a student:

• Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS) is located at 3300 Tang Center. Students may be seen on a drop-in, urgent basis. Telephone counseling is also available. Call (510) 642-9494.

If you are faculty or staff:

• CARE Services for Faculty and Staff, the UCB employee assistance program, is available for confidential support. Telephone consultations and appointments for office visits at the Tang Center are available by calling (510) 643-7754.

For help with facilitating group discussions:

• Counselors from CPS are available to help facilitate group discussions. Call (510) 642-9494.

Seeking Help for Others

If you think a student needs help:

• Contact Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS) for advice: (510)642-9494. Visit the American Psychological Associations' web page for Warning Signs of Violence: http://www.apahelpcenter.org/featuredtopics/feature.php?id=38&ch=3

If you think a faculty or staff member needs help:

• Contact CARE Services for Faculty and Staff, the UCB employee assistance program for advice: (510) 643-7754.
• Visit the American Psychological Associations' web page for Warning Signs of Violence: http://www.apahelpcenter.org/featuredtopics/feature.php?id=38&ch=3

For emergencies and urgent safety concerns:

• Contact the Campus Police: from a landline, dial 911; from a cell phone, dial (510)642-3333.
  

Additional Resources

• Coping with Trauma
• How to Support Others Following a Tragedy: Guidelines for Faculty, Managers, Supervisors, Residence Hall Directors and Others in Campus Leaders
• How to Assist an Anxious Student