Coping with Tragedy
Reactions to tragedy can take many forms depending in part on the suddenness of the event, your personality style, and your previous experience with loss or adversity.
Common feelings and reactions include:
- Shock, disbelief, numbness
- Sadness, fear, anxiety, anger, guilt
- Loss of motivation
- Poor sleep and concentration
For some, these feelings and reactions occur soon after the event. For others, they may emerge weeks or months later.
Suggestions for Coping
- Give yourself permission and TIME to deal with your feelings and reactions.
- Talk about your feelings and reactions with family, friends, clergy or mental health professionals.
- Seek comfort from your religious beliefs and practices, join a support group, allow time for healthy recreational activities.
- Try to maintain some aspects of your normal routine, but be patient with yourself if you can’t keep up with everything.
- Think about your priorities and focus your energy and resources on those priorities. Be careful not to overload yourself.
- Eat healthy meals.
- Exercise.
- Get enough rest.
If difficult feelings and reactions persist, seek professional help. Some resources for obtaining help are listed below.
On-Campus Resources
| Counseling Center | 205 Campbell Hall | (973)596-3414 |
| Dean of Student Services | 255 Campus Center | (973) 596-3466 |
| Health Services | Physical Education Building | (973) 596-3421 |
| Public Safety Office | Parking Deck | (973) 596-3120 |
| Residence Life | Cypress Hall 1st Floor | (973) 596-3039 |
| Employee Assistant Program (NJIT Employees Only) |
Fenster Hall 1st Floor |
Crisis Center Emergency Hotlines
| UMDNJ | (973) 623-2323 | 7 Days, 24 Hours |
| Mountainside Hospital | (973) 429-6969 | 7 Days, 24 Hours |