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“We’re always here and available to listen and support faculty, employees and their families,” said Marlene Schneider, FEAP counselor. “During these times, it’s important to utilize the resources you have — whether its family, friends, faith or professional services — to help keep such events in perspective.”
The assessment and short-term counseling service is free and confidential, Schneider said.
Students seeking assistance should contact UNMC Student Counseling at 559-7276.
The tragedy will affect individuals differently, Schneider said, and could expose or reopen past traumas or grief.
“This has had a tremendous impact on Omaha as a whole,” Schneider said. “We’re saddened by what has happened and encourage people to stay close to their loves ones and talk about their anxieties, fears and concerns. We are more resilient than we often realize and this is strengthened by utilizing healthy support networks.”
Adults should talk to children in age-appropriate language about the tragedy and emphasize that such events are not the norm. Adults, meanwhile, should keep tabs on their own emotions, particularly if they:
- Have difficulty sleeping;
- Are more irritable with colleagues and family;
- See changes in their mood; and
- Are preoccupied with the event.
For more information, or for free confidential counseling, contact Susan Smith, FEAP manager and counselor, at 559-5323 or Schneider at 559-5175. If urgent, pager numbers are available on the voice message.