Outreach opportunities available throughout campus

Counseling and support

University Health Services (UHS) is providing mental health outreach and support throughout the Harvard community. Groups are being set up throughout the campus.

Group Sessions

HUHS Holyoke Center 4th Floor, Wacker Room

• Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2001, 12:30pm to 1:30pm and 3:30pm to 4:30pm
• Thursday, Sept. 13, 2001, 12:30pm to 1:30pm and 3:30pm to 4:30pm
• Friday, Sept. 14, 2001, 12:30pm to 1:30pm and 3:30pm to 4:30pm

Individual Support

Walk-ins

• Day time (8am —to 6pm) UHS 4th Floor, Mental Health Department
• Night time (6pm to— 8am) UHS 5th Floor, After Hours Urgent Care

Call-ins

• Day time (8am to 6pm): (617) 495-2042
• Night time (6pm to— 8am): (617) 495-5711

Additionally, Liferaft – UHS’s grieving and counseling group – will be holding sessions as follows at the United Ministries Conference Room, ground floor, the Memorial Church in Harvard Yard:

• 9/12, Wednesday Noon – 2pm (the usual day and time)
• 9/13, Thursday 11:30am – 12:30pm
• 9/14, Friday 11:30am – 12:30pm

The Bureau of Study Counsel, which serves students in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (College and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences), the Graduate School of Education, and the Kennedy School, is available for both individual support and counseling daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Students may call for an appointment (617) 495-2581 or drop in at 1033 Massachusetts Ave., second floor.

The 39 chaplains in the United Ministry are available for individual counseling and to lead group meetings. Please call (617) 495-5529 for individual appointments or to make arrangements for a chaplain to visit your site for a group session. The Memorial Church is open to the full Harvard community as a place for reflection and prayer.

Common reactions to the terrorist attacks

• Emotional shock; feeling distracted and frightened
• Urgent need to contact family and friends
• Inability to focus on daily tasks and /or loss of interest in usual activities
• Reawakening of trauma experienced at an earlier time
• Anxiety about expected travel
• Agitation and/or irritability
• Anger or denial
• Increased alcohol/drug consumption
• Overworking as a distraction
• Feelings of helplessness
• Survivor guilt
• Withdrawal from social situations or difficulty being alone

Useful responses

• Take care of yourself, your family or loved ones by contacting each other for reassurance and support.
• Stay close to the news as it unfolds to stay in touch with reality.
• Talk frequently to others about your responses and the impact of these events on your family and our country.
• If you find your response disabling, it may be helpful to talk with a counselor.
• In response to highly stressed persons at work, be supportive. Also be aware of their reduced ability to concentrate or their diminished productivity. If this persists you can suggest they contact Faculty Staff Assistance Program at (617) 495-HELP (4357).