With the shocking and traumatic events of this week, are you getting overwhelmed by the news coverage? Perhaps you have family or friends directly impacted?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has posted a number of symptoms to consider as possible danger signs, as well as tips on stress management
Symptoms of Stress
- Fear and anxiety about the future
- Difficulty making decisions
- Being numb to one’s feelings
- Loss of interest in normal activities
- Loss of appetite
- Nightmares and recurring thoughts about the event
- Increased use of alcohol and drugs
- Sadness and other symptoms of depression
- Crying
- Sleep problems
- Headaches, back pains, and stomach problems
- Trouble concentrating
Tips for Self-Care
- Avoid drugs and alcohol – in the long run they can create more problems instead of take stress away.
- Find support – talk to a partner, family member, friend, counselor, doctor, or clergyperson.
- Connect socially – make sure that you are spending time with loved ones.
- Take care of yourself – diet, exercise, sleep, normal routines
- Give yourself a break if you feel stressed out
- Stay active – helping a neighbor, volunteering in the community, even taking the dog on a long walk.
If you need additional help, come talk to a healthcare professional at Student Health Services, or contact our Student Life partners at Counseling and Consultation Services, the Student Wellness Center, or the Student Advocacy Center.
Take care,
Roger Miller, MD (OSU Student Health)