Wed, 17 Dec 2014 11:18:18 -0500

Self-Care and Social Justice in the Wake of Recent Events

To the UMBC Student Community,

The recent events related to the cases of Michael Brown, Eric Garner, and others across the country have left many of us with questions, concerns, and reactions about difficult topics, such as racism, systemic discrimination, oppression, guns, policing, violence, protests, riots, social justice and more. These incidents remind us that, as a country, we continue to struggle for justice and equality. We want to applaud UMBC students for making their voices heard. It is only through coming together to exchange ideas, listening to each other, and working through feelings that we learn, and with this learning develop new visions for what we and our nation can become.

To our students, please know that the Counseling Center staff stands with you during this difficult time. We recognize that you might be experiencing a variety of emotions including anger, disillusionment, extreme disappointment, anxiety, confusion, guilt, and fear. For many, these recent experiences highlight the deep-rooted oppression of Black men, people of color, and other minorities in our country and heighten longstanding anger and pain regarding the lack of justice and equality.

Given the importance of this issue, it is “normal” and expected that we might be experiencing a wide range of emotions at an already stressful academic time. In addition, our reactions may or may not be similar to the people around us, which can lead to a sense of feeling unsafe, isolated, or misunderstood. We at the Counseling Center encourage everyone to be aware that such intense feelings can and often do cause additional physical and mental strain. In the next few days and weeks, we may feel more fatigued and have difficulty concentrating, sleeping, and eating normally. Some of us may find ourselves crying, getting angry more easily, or withdrawing from others.

At stressful times, expressing our concerns with others in a safe, comfortable environment can be helpful, as can spending time with friends, family, colleagues, or others who are willing/able to listen. If you need someone to talk to, you can contact the Counseling Center at 410-455-2472, the Mosaic Center at 410-455-2686 the UMBC Women’s Center at 410-455-7014 and off campus and on campus spiritual resources.

Information and Materials

Disaster Distress Helpline, 1-800-985-5990

24/7 resource aimed at providing crisis counseling to individuals affected by recent events in Ferguson

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

Tips for Survivors: Coping with Grief After Community Violence

American Psychological Association (APA) Division 17 Resources

Includes information related to the recent events in Ferguson, including facilitating discussions, prevention and training, activism, and resiliency