An Open Letter to MSU Students Returning To Campus
Dear MSU Student,
After spending the past week conducting crisis therapy sessions for MSU students, my heart is weighed down with empathy as you return to campus. I am deeply saddened that you have had to endure the trauma of the shooting, resulting in a loss of your sense of security, grief, and the pressure to resume a sense of normalcy so soon after the incident.
We all know it is possible to be involved in an active shooter situation. You likely spent time running through an active shooter protocol throughout your years in elementary, middle, and high school. But that’s the thing - this likely felt like a far-off nightmare that you couldn’t imagine going through yourself. This incident has, in a sense, created a clear divide between the world you once knew where such events seemed improbable, and the reality you now face where the possibility of it happening again feels all too palpable. For some of you, the experience of sheltering in place and undergoing “run, hide, fight” may not be entirely new. Perhaps it was at another school where there was a credible or perceived threat. It is unjust that you have had to relive this frightening experience all over again.
As I have been leading crisis sessions in response to the shooting, I am acutely aware that there is little I can offer. Nevertheless, there are a few things that I want to share with you as you prepare to return to campus today.
This is a significant event, and it's important to recognize that you are entitled to intense emotions. You might find yourself comparing yourself to other students who may have been in more danger during the shooting, but this line of thinking can be unhelpful. While you may not have been in the same location as the shooter, your body still experienced significant stress and uncertainty during the four-hour shelter-in-place. Your body went into survival mode, as you were barricaded in a room and listening closely to the police scanner. You likely felt a great deal of fear in those moments, and it may take time to process these feelings. Although the shooter is no longer a threat, your body may not fully grasp this fact, and it may respond in ways that feel strange. You may notice that you're more easily startled, that you’re not sleeping well, or that your emotions are heightened. Your brain and body are working to make sense of what happened and to protect you from similar threats in the future. Please be kind to yourself and allow yourself the time you need to process these emotions.
There are going to be friends that don’t respond in the same way you do. Some might seem to have moved on, while others might be more visibly impacted. Be patient with yourself as you navigate your emotions and extend that same patience to your friends as well. There is no "right way" to grieve or process what has happened. Seek out people you trust and can confide in, and don't hesitate to be honest with them about your feelings. It's essential to process your emotions instead of burying them. Some healthy ways to process this might include talking to friends or family, allowing yourself to cry, exercising, or seeking therapy. On the other hand, there are unhealthy ways to cope with this trauma, such as aimlessly scrolling on social media, excessive alcohol use, isolation, or drug use. Be mindful of these signs and seek help if you notice yourself engaging in any of these behaviors.
If you are noticing symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), please reach out to a therapist for help. PTSD is a mental health condition that can occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. Symptoms of PTSD can look different from person to person, but keep an eye out for the following symptoms:
Intrusive thoughts or memories (Unwanted, distressing, and persistent thoughts, images, or urges that come into a person's mind involuntarily and are often related to a traumatic or stressful event. These thoughts can cause significant distress and anxiety.)
Avoidance behaviors: Avoiding people, places, or activities that remind them of the traumatic event.
Negative changes in thinking and mood: Experiencing feelings, such as guilt, shame, anger, or fear. It might become difficult to experience positive emotions, such as joy or love.
Hyperarousal: Feeling on edge, easily startled, and having difficulty sleeping or concentrating.
Flashbacks: Intense and vivid memories of the traumatic event that feel as if you are reliving the experience.
Physical symptoms: headaches, stomach problems, or muscle tension.
As I mentioned, there is no magical cure or solution that can reverse what has happened. My heart aches for those who have been impacted, including the victims, their families, and their friends whose lives have been forever altered by this tragedy. Despite this, I am committed to creating a safe space for people to share their feelings. Please know that there are qualified therapists throughout the state who are willing and able to help individuals navigate the aftermath of this event. You are not alone, and there are resources available to assist you in this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Christen Clark (A Michigan Therapist)
