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Terror Alerts, Anxiety and Resources
Please refer to the
Basic Emergency Response
Guide for CCSU as published on the CCSU
Police Department
web page
for directions on
what to do in an on-campus emergency.
Stress, Fear and Anxiety
It is very normal to feel nervous and anxious these days. In addition to your regular stresses (school, work, relationships, etc.) you are hearing about terror alerts and possible war. Anxiety, stress and fear are natural human reactions that help the body and mind prepare for extreme situations. Prolonged anxiety can have negative effects on a person. While today's headlines are frightening and disturbing, it's important that you try to keep things in perspective. Allow your anxiety to direct you into making good and safe choices but it's important to ensure that your anxiety does not overwhelm you.
When Anxiety Overwhelms You
Occasionally, people find that their anxiety overwhelms them. When someone feels overwhelmed by his or her anxiety it can lead to negative and destructive behaviors. Some signs that you are being overwhelmed include (but are not limited to):
- A change in sleeping patterns. Either being unable to sleep or, finding yourself always sleeping.
- Using substances to manage emotions. This includes alcohol, illegal drugs, food and even prescription medication. Craving a substance in order to manage your emotions can be a dangerous behavior.
- Dramatic mood swings may also be an indicator of overwhelming anxiety.
- Change in eating behaviors. Like sleep, you might find yourself at one extreme or the other. Either eating nothing, very little or eating large amounts of food.
- Physical changes. If you find yourself sweating or
you feel your heart racing, you may be overwhelmed by anxiety. Sometimes
when we feel overly anxious we feel ill and feel like we require medical
attention.
If you are feeling "out of sorts" it's always a good idea to check with a health professional. A good rule of thumb is that a significant change in your behavior may be a sign that your anxiety is overwhelming you. If you find yourself making choices you might not normally make, or doing things you might not normally do, you may be reacting to your anxiety. This is a sign that you may need some help
managing your anxiety.
Resources for Managing Your Anxiety
If you feel that anxiety is getting the best of you and having a negative effect on your well being, you should do something about it. Standard stress reduction techniques are always a good idea. These include eating well, exercising and getting plenty of good rest. In general, paying attention to your body and mind and responding to your needs are important. However, if you're experiencing significant behavioral changes it's also a good to talk with someone about how you're feeling. Of course, talking to friends is a good idea, but it is also important that you talk with a trained professional.
Looking Out for Your Friends
Sometimes when we are experiencing extreme stress and anxiety it is hard to see the negative behaviors we are inflicting upon ourselves. When this happens we rely on friends and family to help us recognize the situation. If you think one of your friends is having trouble managing his or her anxiety you should take steps to help. Of course, talking with them is a good idea; perhaps you can even share this article with them. However, it's also a good idea to let a campus professional know about your friend. Campus professionals can help you decide what's in the best interest of your friend.
see web page on Resilience
On-line resources
If you have questions about ways to comfort
anyone troubled by the present situation, please consult either of the resources
listed below. The first website is Wheeler Clinic’s Connecticut
Clearinghouse, whose funding was enhanced following September 11.
The
second site is another important Connecticut resource - the Center
for Trauma Response, Recovery and Preparedness – it too was developed
in the aftermath of September 11. Each
offers valuable information for individuals, families, and clinical staff.
Contributed by the Department for Mental Health and Addiction
Services (DMHAS)
http:// www.ctrp.org
(follow
link for “Educational Materials)
(External Site)
http://www.ctclearinghouse.org/dtresources.htm
(External Site)
Main Menu
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