Yale Bulletin and Calendar

September 21, 2001

Volume 30, Number 3

'Be part of the community'
psychiatrist urges in tragedy's wake

When tragedy struck the United States on Sept. 11, members of the Yale community and others across the nation banded together for vigils, scheduled and impromptu discussions, late-night television-watching, prayer sessions and other activities.

Such community gatherings are one of the most beneficial ways of coping with tragedy, says Dr. Lorraine Siggins, chief psychiatrist at the University Health Services and clinical professor of psychiatry.

"The most important thing we can do in a time of tragedy is to be a part of the community -- to join together with our families, groups of friends, our religious affiliations or the larger neighborhood, where we can talk with people and share our opinions, thoughts and feelings together," she says.

In addition, she says, striking the appropriate balance between taking time out to absorb the tragedy while also maintaining normal routines is another healthy way of coping in a time of distress.

"This can sometimes be a dilemma for us, because while in some respects the tragedy calls for us to take some time out to give it our focus, we also need the security of our usual routines," explains Siggins. "We need to make room in our lives for both."

Siggins and her staff in the Department of Mental Hygiene at University Health Services (see related story) have been putting in long hours to provide counseling and support to students and other members of the community who have sought help in dealing with the tragedy. In addition, she has helped advise college deans and the deans of the University's professional schools on how to respond to the tragedy in ways that would most benefit their particular communities.

A feeling of helplessness is a very common reaction to a national or personal tragedy, notes Siggins, and events which build or reinforce a sense of community help people channel their energies in a way that makes them feel less powerless.

"Feeling helpful and useful, whether by giving blood, organizing drives for water, food or rescue equipment and supplies, or putting to use special expertise -- these kinds of efforts, big and small, help us to feel less helpless and are important ways of coping and healing," says the psychiatrist.

While the tragedy is the most difficult to bear for those who have lost a friend or relative, Siggins notes that the horrific events made everyone on campus feel vulnerable.

"It can be a particularly trying time for first-year students, who are away from home for the first time, and for international students, who may be very far from home and from the things that gave them a sense of belonging," she says. "Again, by sharing feelings and thoughts with others, by interacting with others in the community, we are able to create connections which help to lessen those vulnerable emotions."

When talking to children about the tragedy, Siggins recommends that parents remain calm, as children will be less fearful if they see that their parents are in control. Additionally, she says, "children respond the best to normal routines and structures being in place. What is most reassuring for them is to see that life is continuing on in ways that they would expect."

A typical reaction to shocking events is to have difficulty concentrating, Siggins says. She has been assuring many on campus that the feelings of bewilderment, discouragement, anxiety or other emotions that dog them as they try to get through normal routines are perfectly normal.

"We all respond differently to tragedies, and we don't all recover from them in exactly the same ways," she says. "For most of us, it will take time to move beyond the shock of this one."

In spite of the temptation of many to spend late-night hours keeping up with the latest news developments on the tragedy, Siggins says that getting proper rest is essential.

"As time goes on, people can get sleep-deprived, and when this happens, one tends to get more irritable and not manage as well. We must remember to also allow ourselves sleep."

-- By Susan Gonzalez

T H I SW E E K ' SS T O R I E S

Campus Mourns Tragic Attacks

A Community of Concern

Perspectives from Yale Experts

In the Wake of Tragedy

Yale receives $15 million for human genome research

'Be part of the community' psychiatrist urges in tragedy's wake

IN FOCUS: Mental Health Services

Experts to discuss 'The Development of Earth and Its Life'

Tercentennial exhibit showcases British masterpieces

Early European views of 'Wilde Americk' explored in exhibit

Law School 'runners' hope to beat Harvard to the beach

Yale employees being treated to free football, tailgate party

Conference to examine disparities in health care based on sex, race and income

Peabody invites all interested to volunteer open house

Memorial Services

Campus Notes