Ask Karen: Healing after tragedy

Karen McNew / WSLS NewsChannel 10
Published: April 24, 2007

Q: After the shootings on Virginia Tech's campus, how do we heal-

-Universal

A:  The Monday April 16th was a day when we all woke up thinking it would be like any other Monday.  It wasn't.  It is still a hard time for so many people and you don't have to know someone to be affected by the violence so many people experienced that day.  Many of us felt helpless.  I know I felt scared at first.  If it can happen at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, it could happen anywhere.  There are some things we can do and look for during the healing process.

I talked with Dr. Roy Crouse, Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Blacksburg.  He has helped some faculty and others from Virginia Tech begin to work through their grief and he has two sons who attend Virginia Tech.

Monitor your sleeping habits.  Dr. Crouse says, "When we don't get enough sleep, everything starts to fall apart."

Take a break from it all.  Try to get back to your normal routine.

Everyone grieves differently and everyone has a different pace for recovering from a traumatic experience.

An organization called Mental Health America has specific information on its website about dealing with the tragedy at Virginia Tech.

Two points that strike me as particularly helpful include:

A range of emotions are normal following tragic events - ranging from depression, anxiousness, anger and 'numbness.'

If you feel depressed, anxious or angry, talk to friends, family, ministers or others around you.  Likely, those around you are experiencing similar feelings.

You may also want to consult your family physician about any signs of depression you may be having.

As Nikki Giovanni put it best when she said, "We will prevail."

Other advice for coping with grief and loss sent to 10 On Your Side Health team:

Take your time.  Don't judge or measure your reactions by those of others.

Talk, share your feelings and the meaning this loss has for you.

Pay attention to your body's needs.  Exercise ( according to your doctor's recommendations) and balanced nutrition are essential.

Tears may come unexpectedly and at times when you thought you were finished grieving. Be patient with yourself.  Their intensity and frequency should diminish with time.

If you feel you need further assistance call: Value Options at

1-866-725-0602

There will be an even more in depth article in May's issue of Our Health Magazine.