Support for staff and students affected by the Christchurch earthquake

As you are all aware, the impact of the recent earthquake in Christchurch on our staff and students, particularly those from Christchurch is likely to be significant and in some cases ongoing. The enormity of the damage and in particular the large loss of life and number of injuries will mean for some people, more serious post traumatic shock may be possible over an extended period.

There is no way to easily determine who will be impacted. Clearly the closer and more direct ones relationship with this tragedy and loss is, then the more likely someone would have distressing or debilitating reactions. However we all have different backgrounds and sensitivities and an event such as this can trigger off strong emotional responses in any of us. Ensuring that we look after ourselves, as well as each other is vital during difficult times. The list below may be helpful to remind you of good self care strategies:

• make sure you’re eating, drinking, trying to sleep, staying connected with others;
• keep structure and routine in your day, particularly around exercise, religious beliefs, meeting up with friends, university activities etc
• using alcohol and drugs to cope does not help, and it’s best to minimise or avoid these during times of distress;
• avoid making big decisions during times of distress;
• make sure you have the facts, and avoid listening to, or passing on information that you’re not sure is fact;
• expect that each person will have different emotional reactions to critical incidents and be accepting of these;
• don’t feel guilty about that carrying on with your daily life, but also acknowledge that you won’t be performing at your best;
• get support & take care of each other;
• recognise that there are a wide range of normal responses and coping strategies after a traumatic event.

Support Services for students:

• Health & Counselling at Victoria – brief counselling appointments are available each day as needed.
• Don’t forget that if you’ve got financial problems or you need to travel home to Christchurch to be with family, Financial Support and Advice may be able to help with costs.
• If you’re struggling with academic work due to the impact of the earthquake, please speak with your lecturers/course coordinators directly about this.

Support Services for staff:

• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

All permanent employees can self refer for 3 free confidential sessions of counselling for any issue that is impacting on their work.

• If you are worried about a staff member you can also contact the University’s Staff Support Team (phone Campus Safety Coordinator on 463 6053 or Occupational Health Nurse 463 6845).

Further help:

• It is normal to be distressed and anxious after a trauma. Most people will be OK in a few days or weeks, given support and the opportunity to talk about it. If symptoms of distress persist or worsen, you may need to see your GP or counsellor.