This information explains the psychological aspects of anxiety and fear that some may be experiencing in light of recent terrorist alerts.  Resources for help for students, faculty and staff at the University of St. Thomas can be found at the end of the page and from the links to the right.

Terror Alerts, Anxiety, and Resources

As the Department of Homeland Security raises and lowers terror alert levels and the nation seems poised on the brink of war, many on campus are feeling anxious.  It's natural and normal to be feeling a high level of anxiety in these uncertain times.  Here are some thoughts on terror threats and anxiety.

Color-Coded Terror Alerts

Many are wondering what is meant by the color-coded terror alerts.  After Sept. 11, 2001, the federal government, working through Homeland Security, created a five-level warning system to help Americans understand how likely a terrorist attack might be and to help public safety departments across the country to coordinate efforts.  To learn more about this warning system you can visit the Department of Homeland Security.

Am I in Danger?

An increased level in the warning system means that the government is concerned about acts of terrorism.  The nature of terrorism is that terror groups can strike at any time in any place.  The random nature of terrorism means that we cannot say who is in specific danger at any time.  This randomness is meant as a psychological weapon designed to generate fear among a large group of people.  According to statistics, the likelihood that you will be the victim of terrorist act is really quite low.

Is Campus Safe?

Again, terrorism is random and therefore it is hard to say that any specific area is dangerous or safe.  However, it is important for you to know that administrators on campus are being proactive and taking logical and sensible steps to ensure campus safety.  You can help by being aware and cooperating with campus officials.  Make sure you are familiar with any emergency procedures that your campus has in place.  You can also help administrators by being aware of your surroundings and reporting anything that seems suspicious or out of the ordinary.  Campus officials are trained to respond to a wide variety of scenarios and situations.  Letting a campus official know about something suspicious will ensure that the proper authorities will handle any situation.

Stress, Fear and Anxiety

It is very normal to feel nervous and anxious these days.  In addition to your regular stresses (school, work, relationships, etc.), you are hearing about terror alerts and possible war.  Anxiety, stress and fear are natural human reactions that help the body and mind prepare for extreme situations.  Prolonged anxiety can have negative effects on a person.  While today's headlines are frightening and disturbing, it's important that you try to keep things in perspective.  Allow your anxiety to direct you into making good and safe choices but it's important to ensure that your anxiety does not overwhelm you.

When Anxiety Overwhelms You

Occasionally, people find that their anxiety overwhelms them.  When someone feels overwhelmed by his or her anxiety it can lead to negative and destructive behaviors.  Some signs that you are being overwhelmed include (but are not limited to):

• A change in sleeping patterns: either being unable to sleep, or finding yourself always sleeping.

• Using substances to manage emotions.  This includes alcohol, illegal drugs, food and even prescription medication.  Craving a substance in order to manage your emotions can be a dangerous behavior.

• Dramatic mood swings may also be an indicator of overwhelming anxiety

• Change in eating behaviors.  Like sleep, you might find yourself at one extreme or the other: either eating nothing, very little or eating large amounts of food.

• Physical changes.  If you find yourself sweating or you feel your heart racing, you may be overwhelmed by anxiety.  Sometimes when we feel overly anxious we feel ill and feel like we require medical attention.

If you are feeling "out of sorts" it's always a good idea to check with a health professional.  Experts believe that a significant change in your behavior may be a sign that your anxiety is overwhelming you.  If you find yourself making choices you might not normally make, or doing things you might not normally do, you may be reacting to your anxiety.  This is a sign that you may need some help managing your anxiety.

Resources for Managing Your Anxiety

If you feel that anxiety is getting the best of you and having a negative effect on your well being, you should do something about it.  Standard stress reduction techniques are always a good idea.  These include eating well, exercising and getting plenty of good rest.  In general, paying attention to your body and mind and responding to your needs are important.  However, if you're experiencing significant behavioral changes it's also a good to talk with someone about how you're feeling.  Of course, talking to friends is a good idea, but it is also important that you talk with a trained professional.

Looking Out for Your Friends

Sometimes when we are experiencing extreme stress and anxiety it is hard to see the negative behaviors we are inflicting upon ourselves.  When this happens we rely on friends and family to help us recognize the situation.  If you think one of your friends is having trouble managing his or her anxiety you should take steps to help.  Of course, talking with them is a good idea; perhaps you can even share this article with them.  However, it's also a good idea to let a campus professional know about your friend.  Campus professionals can help you decide what's in the best interest of your friend.

UST Personal Counseling Services: (651) 962-6780

All UST students are eligible for services at the Personal Counseling and Testing Center located in room 356 of the Murray-Herrick Campus Center.  Their primary mission is to serve undergraduate students, who are least likely to carry their own insurance and may have limited financial resources.  They will see anyone in the UST community for one session to provide information, consultation, and/or referral.  Regular hours are 8:00 am – 4:30 pm (Monday through Friday) with evening hours available by appointment (Tuesdays and Wednesdays).  Crisis hours are available every day, but call ahead to find out what they are.  Please refer to the web link for further details: Personal Counseling.

Student Health Services and Wellness Center: (651) 962-6750

Currently, all enrolled UST students may access the Student Health Services located in lower level Brady Residence Hall west end.  Having medical insurance is not a perquisite to using the on campus Student Health Service.  Student Health Services are available to any student regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, race, religion or ethnicity.  Regular hours are 8:00 am - 4:30 pm (Monday, Thursday & Friday), 8:00 am - 6:30 pm (Tuesday, Wednesday), and 8:00 am – 12:00 pm (Monday through Friday during the summer).  Please refer to the web link for further details: Student Health Services.

UST LifePhases: (800) 854-1446

LifePhases is the UST Employee Assistance Program (EAP) which provides free confidential assistance with a wide variety of concerns including but not limited to: individual family or relationship concerns, legal questions and consultations, work concerns, career issues, financial concerns, elder care and childcare concerns, chemical dependency, stress, anxiety, and depression.  This service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  UST Personal Counseling Services will also see anyone in the UST community for one session to provide information, consultation, and/or referral.  Services may also be available through employee health insurance providers.  Please refer to the benefit’s web link for further options: Benefits.