Pat Walker Health Center, CAPS Available for Support in Aftermath of Orlando Mass Shooting

The Pat Walker Health Center and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) has support services available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for members of the campus community struggling with the aftermath of the tragic violence that occurred early Sunday in Orlando, Florida.

"Here at the Pat Walker Health Center and CAPS, our hearts and minds are with our diverse campus community. We sincerely hope we will all choose love and acceptance instead of fear and hate," said Dr. Josette Cline, director of CAPS at the health center. "We understand dealing with tragedy is not easy, which is why we are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help anyone struggling to cope with the aftermath of this awful event."

CAPS can be reached at 479-575-5276, and is located on the second floor of the Pat Walker Health Center — 525 N. Garland Ave.
It is typical for people to experience a variety of emotions after such events including shock, sorrow, numbness, fear, anger, disillusionment and grief. The American Psychological Association offers tips on how to cope in the aftermath of a mass shooting: www.apa.org/helpcenter/mass-shooting.aspx.

• Talk about it. Receiving support and care can be comforting and reassuring. It often helps to speak with others who have shared your experience so you do not feel so different or alone.
• Strive for balance. When a tragedy occurs, it's easy to become overwhelmed and have a negative or pessimistic outlook. Balance that viewpoint by reminding yourself of people and events which are meaningful and comforting, even encouraging.
• Turn it off and take a break. You may want to keep informed, but try to limit the amount of news you take in whether it's from the Internet, television, newspapers or magazines. Try to do something that will lift your spirits.
• Honor your feelings. Remember it is common to have a range of emotions after a traumatic incident. You may experience intense stress similar to the effects of a physical injury. For example, you may feel exhausted, sore or off balance.
• Take care of yourself. Engage in healthy behaviors to enhance your ability to cope with excessive stress. Eat well-balanced meals, get plenty of rest and build physical activity into your day. Avoid alcohol and drugs because they can suppress your feelings rather than help you to manage and lessen your distress.
• Help others or do something productive. Locate resources in your community on ways that you can help people who have been affected by this incident, or have other needs. Helping someone else often has the benefit of making you feel better, too.
• If you have recently lost friends or family in this or other tragedies. Remember that grief is a long process. Give yourself time to experience your feelings and to recover. For some, this might involve staying at home; for others it may mean getting back to your daily routine.