Probably the most effective support for the majority, and even for those who have been directly affected by the recent events, comes from existing networks of family, friends and neighbours. However the University is well placed to offer a supportive and safe environment where responses to the horror of last week can be expressed and managed openly. Those who have an identified welfare role may already be involved in providing support. In addition, other University staff at a departmental level and elsewhere may have a valuable role to play in the coming weeks.
At this time of year our focus will be on the induction of over 1,800 new students. Among them will be international students, who, like staff from overseas, may feel that the distance from their normal support structures makes them especially vulnerable, and who - often to their surprise - may be prone to disorientation and homesickness. We should also recognize that returning students may be feeling very uncertain about the security of their environment.
The normal process of moving between home and Dundee University requires staff and students sometimes to manage very mixed feelings about change. Inherent in this transition is often the unspoken question, 'What will happen to those at home, and what will happen to me while I'm away?'
It is likely that this worry about separation from familiar people and places will be heightened by the appalling events of last week. Although there will always be those who prefer to deal with their reactions on their own, and in their own time, a great many will seek the company of others. Anxiety could be demonstrated in a variety of ways: There will be the obvious signs in some people, e.g. they will be more openly anxious and demanding. In others it may be less obvious, e.g. they will be more excitable and exuberant as a way of putting their worries out of sight and out of mind.
There will be a wide spectrum of normal responses to this abnormal situation. After the feelings of numbness, shock and disbelief have subsided, some will be involved in endless speculation, the search for more information, and consulting web updates. At times feelings of rage and grief may be overwhelming. The hypnotic effect of repeated newscasts may echo to past trauma, memories of loss and unresolved grief. Some may find themselves feeling more angry, sad or anxious about everyday things; some may fear for their safety more than usual; others may have doubts about the relevance of tasks that had seemed previously very important. All of this may continue over many months and longer. Although the majority will find ample support through family, friends, colleagues, tutors, chaplains, wardens, etc., Nick and Catherine at the Counselling service are also available:
The Counselling Service is open 0900-1230 and 1330-1700, Monday to Friday. Appointments can be made by calling in at 1 Cross Row, or 'phoning Gill Reid, the Departmental secretary, on Ext. 4164. Emergency drop-in times are 1200 and 1600.