This has been a difficult week. The shooting at Evergreen High School and the death of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, in addition to the anniversary of the incomprehensible terror of September 11, 2001, have brought additional heightened stress, tension, and uncertainty across our community. If you are feeling unsettled, anxious, emotionally numb, easily angered, or struggling to concentrate, please know these reactions are understandable responses to the circumstances.
The Wellness Center stands ready to support. Whether you or someone you encounter is experiencing any discomfort or just needs someone to talk to, our doors remain open from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday with walk-in appointments available from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. We provide confidential counseling, emotional support, medical appointments, medication management, and resources to help our students navigate challenging moments. Also, the TELUS app provides counseling in a variety of formats to include texting and calls. Clinicians can be accessed through TELUS Health 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, free of charge from wherever our students happen to be in the world. They offer clinical services in 100+ languages, if English is not the preferred language. We encourage you to reach out if you find yourself feeling emotionally or mentally strained.
Signs of heightened stress or tension may include:
- Sleep disturbances (oversleeping, frequently waking throughout the night, a busy mind before falling asleep)
- Changes in appetite or energy levels
- Difficulty concentrating, frequent irritability, or mood swings
- Heightened anxiety, nervousness, or panic-like symptoms Feelings of disconnection, exhaustion, or being overwhelmed
How to access support:
- Visit the Wellness Center at The Gallogly Recreation and Wellness Center Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Call 719-255-4444 to schedule a clinical or a case manager appointment at the Wellness Center.
- Download the TELUS app and reach out to someone.
Below are some relevant resources:
A Guided Meditation for Navigating Difficult Emotions
https://www.mindful.org/a-guided-meditation-for-navigating-difficult-emotions
How to Cope With 9/11 Anniversary Grief, According to a Grief Psychologist
https://www.everydayhealth.com/emotional-health/how-to-cope-with-anniversary-grief-according-to-a-grief-psychologist/
Talking to Children about Terrorism
https://911memorial.org/learn/youth-and-families/talking-children-about-terrorism
Trauma Reminders: Anniversaries (Public)
https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/what/anniversary_reactions.asp
Anniversary Reactions and Other Recurring Trauma Reminders (Providers)
https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/treat/essentials/anniversary_reactions.asp
Grief
https://www.everydayhealth.com/grief/
Thank you for taking care of yourselves and one another. Together, we will get through this with resilience, compassion, and shared strength.