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The Interpersonal Violence Resource Guide can assist students who need support and information about choices for responding to experiences of interpersonal violence such as sexual assault, stalking, or abuse.

Although a sudden death affects people differently, there are some common reactions that you may experience. Some people may experience little reaction to the event while others may experience strong reactions.  These signs could begin right away, or a person may feel fine for a couple of days or weeks then later be hit with a reaction. The important thing to remember is that almost all reactions are normal; although you may feel some distress, you're probably experiencing a normal reaction to an abnormal situation.

Counseling and same-day crisis intervention and counseling services are available through UNC Charlotte’s Counseling & Psychological Services located in the Christine F. Price Center (704-687-0311).   Counseling can help students manage personal distress and provide them with the skills to function and meet the demands of a campus environment. In addition, faculty and staff can consult with a counselor about how best to help students cope with their reactions.

Some common responses to a traumatic event such as a sudden death include: Physical Reactions:
  • insomnia/nightmares
  • fatigue
  • hyperactivity or "nervous energy"
  • appetite changes
  • pain in the neck or back
  • headaches
  • heart palpitations or pains in the chest
  • dizzy spells
Emotional Reactions:
  • flashbacks or "reliving" the event
  • excessive jumpiness or tendency to be startled
  • irritability
  • anger
  • feelings of anxiety or helplessness
Effects on Productivity:
  • inability to concentrate
  • increased incidence of errors
  • lapses of memory
  • increase in absenteeism
Ways to Cope: 
  • Be tolerant of your reactions -- they are normal and will subside with time for most people. Acknowledge that it may be awhile before you feel you are back to normal.
  • Spend time with others, even though it may be difficult at first. Some people tend to withdraw when they are hurt, but the company of others is needed at these most difficult times.
  • Talk about the experience with those you trust. For most people, talking helps relieve some of the intense emotions we feel under stress.
  • Try to keep your normal routine. Staying active will keep your mind on events other than the trauma, will give you a sense of comfort with familiar tasks, and will help put some psychological distance between you and the event.
  • Structure your time even more carefully than usual. It's normal to forget things when you're under stress. Keep lists, and double-check any important work.
  • Maintain control where you can. Make small decisions, even if you feel they are unimportant. It is important to maintain control in some areas of your life.
  • Let the event activate you to do something about the causes of the trauma or allow you to feel more control, e.g., join groups that address issues related to the event, look for ways to help others.
  • Ask for help if you are particularly bothered by your reactions to the event, or notice that they interfere substantially with your social life or work.  Call the Counseling Center and set up an appointment.

Counseling & Psychological Services staff discuss transition issues for family members and students during summer orientation programs.  As part of our presentation, the following resources are offered, which we hope will assist families make a successful adjustment to having a college student in the family.

  • Letting go: A parents’ guide to understanding the college years, Karen Levin Coburn & Madge Tregger
  • You’re on your own (but I’m here if you need me): Mentoring your child during the college years, Marjorie Savage
  • Don’t tell me what to do, just send money: The essential parenting guide to the college years, Helen E. Johnson, Christine Schelhas-Mille
  • When kids go to college: A parents guide to changing relationships, Barbara & Philip Newman
  • Black college student survival guide, Jawanza Kunjufu
  • The Transition Year