On-campus mental illness issues unique

By Dick Durbin
RRSTAR.COM
Posted Apr 17, 2008 @ 10:59 PM

This week, our nation marked the anniversary of the tragic shootings at Virginia Tech that took 32 lives and wounded 17 other people. Just two months ago, our state was stunned to witness a similar tragic shooting at Northern Illinois University in which 5 students were killed and 17 were wounded.

I cannot imagine the magnitude of heartbreak and pain for friends and families of those killed or the trauma borne by those who survived these tragedies. As we mourn the loss of so many promising young lives, it is important also to learn from these tragedies.

So what are those lessons?

The first is to consider the tortured mind of the shooter. Mental illness is an illness, not a curse. It can and should be treated. Many who receive appropriate counseling and medication lead normal, stable and happy lives. But our laws ignore this reality. We have created legal and financial obstacles to appropriate care. This year, for the first time in a decade, the U.S. Senate has passed a bill to give mental health parity with physical health under the law. The House of Representatives also has passed legislation, and we are negotiating a compromise to fulfill the promise of health parity for millions facing mental health problems.

But the challenge of mental health on our college campuses is unique. Many mental illnesses manifest themselves in this period when young people leave the security of home and regular medical care. The responsibility for the students' well-being shifts many times to colleges and universities struggling with limited resources.

The situation is growing worse. Studies show that 10 percent of college students have contemplated suicide and 45 percent have felt so depressed that it was difficult to function.

Colleges also are encountering students who 10 to 20 years ago would not have been able to attend school because of mental illness, but who can do so today because of advances in treatment of such illness.

To meet the increased need, many schools have tried to increase mental-health education and outreach efforts. But the ratio of students to counselors is growing. Currently, there is only one counselor for every 2,000 students on our college campuses.

NIU and Virginia Tech taught us that mental-health parity and better campus counseling services are not only critical in preventing these tragedies, but in dealing with the aftermath. The victims were not just those who were killed or injured in the shootings. Others have mental scars that are less obvious than bullet wounds but often slower to heal.

The emotional trauma experienced by many students, faculty and families might require years of therapy and counseling.

Finally, when the unthinkable does happen, as it did at Virginia Tech and NIU, we need to respond quickly and effectively to the immediate and long-term needs of the affected college community.

Our colleges and law-enforcement agencies have made great strides in preparing for and responding to active-shooter situations, progress reflected in the admirable response to the NIU shootings.

But we also need to view these violent tragedies on our campuses for what they are — catastrophes, like natural disasters, that require a sustained and coordinated recovery effort in the months that follow.

We have a federal agency to deal with hurricanes, earthquakes and floods. But there is no central federal resource to help guide college communities through the recovery process. In the days and weeks after the shootings in DeKalb, NIU officials found themselves being led in circles through the bureaucracies at the federal departments of Education, Justice, and Health and Human Services, not to mention numerous state agencies. These entities, all of whom were well-meaning, often didn't talk to one another, forcing school officials and victims' families to navigate a red-tape maze to find answers to even their simplest questions.

Just as we expect a coordinated emergency response to a flood or tornado, we need to ensure that victims, their families and college communities are able to receive similar assistance in the wake of these personal disasters.

Reflecting on the loss of his own son, the well-known minister the Rev. William Sloan Coffin once said, "When parents die, they take with them a portion of the past. But when children die, they take away the future as well." As we mourn those lost at Virginia Tech, NIU and other schools across the country, we must learn from these incidents, work to avoid them and improve our response when they do occur.

Dick Durbin, a Democrat, is a U.S. senator from Illinois.


Licensed under Creative Commons
<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.5/">Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 2.5 Generic</a>

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Original Source:
<a href="http://www.rrstar.com/opinions/x1498098116">http://www.rrstar.com/opinions/x1498098116</a>

Dick Durbin

2008-04-19

Kacey Beddoes

eng

NIU to Va. Tech: &#39;We understand what you&#39;re going through&#39;

By Chris Green
RRSTAR.COM
Posted Apr 16, 2008 @ 11:00 PM
Last update Apr 17, 2008 @ 07:38 AM

DEKALB —

Northern Illinois University senior Sonia Salazar said Virginia Tech students put their feelings of sorrow on hold to help the students at NIU heal.

And on Wednesday, Salazar was joined by nearly a thousand other NIU students and staff who wanted to return the support for the students at Virginia Tech.

NIU students and University President John Peters recognized the one-year anniversary of the shooting deaths at the Virginia Tech campus with a candlelight vigil in the Martin Luther King Commons, an outdoor venue in the center of the campus near the student center. One year ago Wednesday, a gunman took the lives of 32 Virginia Tech students and faculty before taking his own. It was the largest such campus massacre in the history of the country.

Peters recalled the initial hours and days following the Feb. 14 slayings at NIU, when five students were shot and killed by Steven Kazmierczak, who also took his own life. He said the entire campus felt "isolated."

"We simply couldn&#39;t imagine that anyone else could understand what we are going through."

Then the phone calls and e-mails came in.

"We understand what you are going through. You are not alone."

Peters said a "collective hand of support" was extended from Blacksburg, Va., to DeKalb.

"They shared openly and lovingly."

The two universities are linked not only in their empathy for one another, but also by an unnerving coincidence.

Green Bay gun dealer Eric Thompson told authorities his Web site, topglock.com, sold two empty 9 mm Glock magazines and a Glock holster to Kazmierczak on Feb. 4, just 10 days before the 27-year-old opened fire in a campus classroom.

Another Web site run by Thompson&#39;s company, www.thegunstore.com, also sold a Walther .22-caliber handgun to Seung-Hui Cho, who shot down 32 people on the Virginia Tech campus before killing himself.

Peters added, "One day, two Virginia Tech students came by my office and surprised me. They gave me a hug. I needed it."

Nolan Owen, 19, a freshman on the university&#39;s football team recruited from California, said he could relate to the surprise visit from the Virginia Tech students.

"After the shootings here, I flew home. I had all my NIU gear with me, and people at the airport and on the plane hugged me. They cared."

David Duma, 22, an NIU senior, said attending Wednesday&#39;s vigil was the least he could do to pay respect not only to the students who lost their lives, but to the Virginia Tech Hokies who are forever united with the NIU Huskies.

"They came all the way from Virgina to be with us."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Staff writer Chris Green can be reached at 815-987-1241 or cgreen@rrstar.com.


Licensed under Creative Commons
<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.5/">Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 2.5 Generic</a>

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Original Source:
<a href="http://www.rrstar.com/communities/x480408142">http://www.rrstar.com/communities/x480408142</a>

Chris Green

2008-04-19

Kacey Beddoes

eng

VT Candlelight Vigil 4/16/08

Candlelight vigil held on one year anniversary of 4/16. On the drillfield with Burruss Hall in background.

Photo by Roger Gupta.

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Original Source:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spector1/2419674035/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/spector1/2419674035/</a>

Roger Gupta

2008-04-18

Kacey Beddoes

Roger Gupta <ragupta@vt.edu>

eng

Hokie Spirit defines Virginia Tech a year later...

Date: Tue, 15 Apr 2008 09:15:25 -0400
From: Virginia Tech Alumni Association <vatechalumni@vt.edu>
To: All Alumni 4-10-08 <vatechalumni@vt.edu>
Subject: Hokie Spirit defines Virginia Tech a year later...

<b>Hokie Spirit defines Virginia Tech a year later...</b>

Last April, the world&#39;s attention focused on a campus community ripped to its very core with the grief and pain of a tragedy unparalleled in the history of American higher education. And what they observed was more powerful than they ever expected... they saw a campus filled with energetic students and talented faculty that displayed grace, poise and fortitude beyond all imagination -- a community fueled by something we know as Hokie spirit. That spirit reaches deep and spreads beyond the campus throughout our 200,000 alumni, and indeed across the entire globe.

Yes, Hokie spirit emerged from tragedy and impressed a world that was brought closer by the media to witness the strength and resilience of the entire Hokie Nation. On this anniversary our attention turns respectfully to the families who lost their loved ones last April 16th and to the students injured that day who are successfully putting their lives back together. It is a day of remembrance. The victims will be honored at a ceremony that will take place Wednesday on the Drillfield at 10:30 A.M. EDT. It will be televised by various media and streamed through the university&#39;s website <a href="http://www.vt.edu/">www.vt.edu</a>. President Steger and Virginia&#39;s Governor Kaine will make remarks. Other participatory events are being held throughout the day, and a candlelight vigil at dusk will signal the end of the day&#39;s observances.

The university is grateful for the expressions of support that have flowed from loyal alumni and friends around the world since last April. These expressions have come in the form of almost every artifact imaginable. To date, 87,000 different items (some displayed in our Alumni Center Museum on April 16th only). In excess of $9.5 million in memorial gifts. Special appearances by the Dave Matthews Band and the NY Yankees. Plus thousands upon thousands of well-wishing letters, e-mails and phone calls. And perhaps the most recent signal of prevailing Hokie spirit is the acceptance rate by students who have been offered admission to the university this coming fall - already hundreds ahead of last fall, which was itself a record-breaking year.

We see such optimism and spirit in the faces of our students, often represented by the countless hours they have poured into VT-ENGAGE service activities. Similarly, our alumni are honoring the university&#39;s year of renewal with a range of service activities, including participation in our <b>"VirginiaTech<i>forlife</i>"</b> blood drives staged by alumni chapters.

At the dedication of our permanent April 16th Memorial last August, SGA President Adeel Khan summed it up exceptionally well...

<i>Take time to remember the legacies, remember the dreams and remember the talent that our community has lost. I hope you are inspired to work harder to honor the 32. Share you talents with the world for the 32. Achieve your dreams for the 32. Be more compassionate, friendly and thoughtful for the 32. Be better, for the 32.</i>

In 2008, we remember the 32; we are thankful for the survivors; and we are proud we share together that incredible Hokie spirit.

Tom Tillar
Vice President for Alumni Relations

Tom Tillar / Virginia Tech Alumni Association

2008-04-15

Brent Jesiek

eng

Anniversary Reactions to a Traumatic Event

Date: Mon, 14 Apr 2008 22:00:00 -0400
From: Unirel@vt.edu
To: Multiple recipients <LISTSERV@LISTSERV.VT.EDU>
Subject: Anniversary Reactions to a Traumatic Event

Here is some information from the university&#39;s Cook Counseling Center and the university Employee Relations Office.

Source: National Mental Health Information Center of the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services


Anniversary Reactions to a Traumatic Event:

The Recovery Process Continues

As the anniversary of a disaster or traumatic event approaches, many survivors report a return of restlessness and fear. Psychological literature calls it the anniversary reaction and defines it as an individual&#39;s response to unresolved grief resulting from significant losses. The anniversary reaction can involve several days or even weeks of anxiety, anger, nightmares, flashbacks, depression, or fear. On a more positive note, the anniversary of a disaster or traumatic event also can provide an opportunity for emotional healing. Individuals can make significant progress in working through the natural grieving process by recognizing, acknowledging, and paying attention to the feelings and issues that surface during their anniversary reaction. These feelings and issues can help individuals develop perspective on the event and figure out where it fits in their hearts, minds, and lives.

It is important to note that not all survivors of a disaster or traumatic event experience an anniversary reaction. Those who do, however, may be troubled because they did not expect and do not understand their reaction. For these individuals, knowing what to expect in advance may be helpful.

Common anniversary reactions among survivors of a disaster or traumatic event include:

Memories, Dreams, Thoughts, and Feelings: Individuals may replay memories, thoughts, and feelings about the event, which they can&#39;t turn off. They may see repeated images and scenes associated with the trauma or relive the event over and over. They may have recurring dreams or nightmares. These reactions may be as vivid on the anniversary as they were at the actual time of the disaster or traumatic event.

Grief and Sadness: Individuals may experience grief and sadness related to the loss of income, employment, a home, or a loved one. Even people who have moved to new homes often feel a sense of loss on the anniversary. Those who were forced to relocate to another community may experience intense homesickness for their old neighborhoods.

Fear and Anxiety: Fear and anxiety may resurface around the time of the
anniversary, leading to jumpiness, startled responses, and vigilance about safety. These feelings may be particularly strong for individuals who are still working through the grieving process.

Frustration, Anger, and Guilt: The anniversary may reawaken frustration and anger about the disaster or traumatic event. Survivors may be reminded of the possessions, homes, or loved ones they lost; the time taken away from their lives; the frustrations with bureaucratic aspects of the recovery process; and the slow process of rebuilding and healing. Individuals may also experience guilt about survival. These feelings may be particularly strong for individuals who are not fully recovered financially and emotionally. Avoidance: Some survivors try to protect themselves from experiencing an anniversary reaction by avoiding reminders of the event and attempting to treat the anniversary as just an ordinary day. Even for these people, it can be helpful to learn about common reactions that they or their loved ones may encounter, so they are not surprised if reactions occur.

Remembrance: Many survivors welcome the cleansing tears, commemoration, and fellowship that the anniversary of the event offers. They see it as a time to honor the memory of what they have lost. They might light a candle, share favorite memories and stories, or attend a worship service.

Reflection: The reflection brought about by the anniversary of a disaster or traumatic event is often a turning point in the recovery process. It is an opportunity for people to look back over the past year, recognize how far they have come, and give themselves credit for the challenges they surmounted. It is a time for survivors to look inward and to recognize and appreciate the courage, stamina, endurance, and resourcefulness that they and their loved ones showed during the recovery process. It is a time for people to look around and pause to appreciate the family members, friends, and others who supported them through the healing process. It is also a time when most people can look forward with a renewed sense of hope and purpose. Although these thoughts, feelings, and reactions can be very upsetting, it helps to understand that it is normal to have strong reactions to a disaster or
traumatic event and its devastation many months later. Recovery from a disaster or traumatic event takes time, and it requires rebuilding on many levels - physically, emotionally, and spiritually. However, with patience, understanding, and support from family members and friends, you can emerge from a disaster or traumatic event stronger than before.

If you are still having trouble coping, ask for help. Consult a counselor or mental health professional.

At Virginia Tech, students should contact the Cook Counseling Center at 231-6557. Faculty and staff can contact the Employee Assistance Center at 866-725-0602 or Employee Relations at 231-9331.


- end -

University Relations (unirel@vt.edu)

2008-04-14

Brent Jesiek

eng

Preparing for Media on April 16

Date: Sun, 23 Mar 2008 15:05:04 -0400
From: Unirel@vt.edu
To: Multiple recipients <LISTSERV@LISTSERV.VT.EDU>
Subject: Preparing for Media on April 16


March 2008

To the Students, Faculty, and Staff of Virginia Tech

As you can imagine, there remains significant ongoing media interest in Virginia Tech in light of the tragedy that occurred on our campus last April 16. As is customary for an event of this magnitude - one that gripped not only reporters, but the entire world - there will be anniversary coverage on or around April 16, 2008.

We expect again to have many, many reporters, broadcasters, and cameras on campus during that week and/or at the remembrances planned for that day.

As I did last year, let me again apprise you of our policy and the law. Our university is public property. Roads are public thoroughfares. We cannot bar the media, although many have suggested it. We will be working to provide appropriate but limited access to the campus. I believe that most were respectful of you and the circumstances of our healing last year.

Reporters (or other visitors) are never allowed in classrooms without the faculty member&#39;s permission. This is a moot point, since classes are cancelled on April 16. Still, we are apprising the media to refrain from entering academic buildings before or after April 16. Residence halls are always off limits to any visitor unless approved by a resident or a member of the student affairs&#39; leadership. Spaces like offices and labs are always controlled by the occupants. Certain university buildings have nominal public access and you may bump into a reporter. If a building is open to the public, it is open to all members of the public.

What should you do if a member of the news media approaches you for an interview either on that day or before? You are never REQUIRED to speak to a reporter. Politely telling a reporter &#39;no thank you&#39; will suffice. If a reporter is particularly insistent, just walk away and do not feel guilty about doing so. We have posted media guidelines at www.remembrance.vt.edu.

However, we have a powerful story to tell. We have prevailed and we are healing. The Hokie Nation is strong. You have represented us well during some very trying times. You have shown the world the special nature of Hokie Spirit and our sense of community. The close-knit nature of this academic community was readily apparent throughout the days and months after April&#39;s tragedy and continues.

If interviewed, I would expect a reporter to ask you about April 16. Go only as far as you feel comfortable. You control the discussion. Students and professors with whom I&#39;ve discussed this possibility are in different places emotionally. Many are ready to move on and speak to the now or the future. Frankly, I like to focus on what we were before April 16 and what we remain today - one of America&#39;s leading universities focused on learning, discovery, and engagement. You help invent the future.

Virginia Tech&#39;s reputation and legacy are founded on the quality of its people. I have great confidence in the university community and the institution as we continue on the road to recovery.

If you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our office at unirel@vt.edu or 231-5396.

Sincerely yours,

Lawrence G. Hincker
Associate Vice President
University Relations

Lawrence G. Hincker

2008-03-23

Brent Jesiek

eng

A Day of Remembrance: University events on April 16, 2008

Date: Thu, 21 Feb 2008 12:21:02 -0500
From: Provost@vt.edu
To: Multiple recipients <LISTSERV@LISTSERV.VT.EDU>
Subject: A Day of Remembrance: University events on April 16, 2008

Thursday, February 20, 2008

Dear students, faculty, and staff of Virginia Tech

Three weeks ago, Virginia Tech President Charles Steger established a 21-person steering committee to guide the planning of on-campus activities to be held on April 16, 2008, marking the tragedy that occurred on campus one year earlier.

The planning committee included students, faculty, staff, administrators, and community members, plus students and family members directly affected by the events. Provost Mark McNamee chaired the committee and Jay Poole, director of the Office of Recovery and Support (ORS), served as vice-chair. Megan Armbruster from ORS provided administrative and operational support.

The committee met three times and openly discussed a range of ideas for the official university observances of the April 16, 2007 tragedy. The committee welcomed input from those who wished to contribute, and benefited greatly from the advice and support of the affected families and students.

Several major decisions emerged by consensus from the committee&#39;s deliberations: April 16, 2008 will focus on the lives of the 32 innocent students and faculty members who were killed on April 16, 2007; events will be simple and respectful; opportunities will be provided for anyone who wishes to honor the memories of the victims.

In the spirit of these guidelines, the following events will represent the official university commemoration of "A Day of Remembrance" on April 16, 2008.

==> 10:30 a.m. to noon: University Commemoration Event, Drillfield (rain or shine): The names of each innocent victim and a few words about the special qualities of each person will be read aloud. President Steger will welcome those assembled. (The selection of readers and the format of the readings is still a work in progress.)

==> Sundown (approximately 7:45 p.m.): Candlelight Vigil, Drillfield (rain or shine): The students of Virginia Tech will sponsor and organize a candlelight vigil beginning at sundown. The initial lighting of candles will begin by using a ceremonial candle at the university memorial site that will burn during the entire day.

In addition, between noon and 5 p.m., the university will provide venues across campus where individuals or groups who may wish express or witness remembrances in the form of poetry or other readings; writing; musical or artistic performances; art creation; flower planting; or other activities including service activities. Our goal is to balance opportunities for individual, informal expression with some structured activities. Venues and formats will be announced as plans evolve.

As it becomes available, all information will be posted to the "April 16, 2008: A Day of Remembrance" website (www.remembrance.vt.edu). This website will be linked to the university homepage and will become live during the week of February 25.

Additional Activities

The students of Virginia Tech are also sponsoring a university and community picnic on Sunday April 20, 2008 from 1 to 4 p.m. This picnic will recognize and support everyone who contributed in so many important ways to the April 16, 2007 emergency response, and the immediate and ongoing recovery and support efforts. Introductions will occur at approximately 1:30 p.m.

On April 16, 2008, several private events will be organized in collaboration with the families of the deceased and the injured students. The families and injured students may choose to participate in any of the university events, but they will not be formally identified as participants.

No classes will be held on April 16, 2008, but the university will be open. Faculty and staff may participate in any of the university activities if they wish to. We understand that many faculty, staff, and students do not know how they will feel or react on April 16, 2008. We urge all employees and supervisors to be flexible and to place highest priority on the health and welfare of each individual. We will view April 16, 2008 as a very special workday that will not require staff to take sick leave, personal leave, or vacation time. Some buildings will be closed and those employees will not be expected to report to work. Counseling support will be available throughout campus.

Megan Armbruster from the Office of Recovery and Support will serve as the operational director for the April 16, 2008 events. She has begun her work with many university offices on logistics and support issues, and is assembling a task force for the events. All questions and suggestions should be sent to Armbruster at remembrance@vt.edu.

Mark McNamee
University Provost

Mark McNamee

2008-02-21

Brent Jesiek

eng