Dear College of Education Community,
Many in our community are experiencing much pain and sorrow in relation to the ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. Feelings of anxiety, stress, fear, despair, and even hate, are being experienced by people everywhere, those directly in the path of the violence, those who currently have families and friends in the Middle East or Ukraine, and those concerned about the effects of war everywhere.
The impact of violent crises can be very triggering in our own lives, states Jim Kendall, LCSW, CEAP. "To cope with this requires incredible courage and resilience." If you or a colleague are having difficulty coping, here are some things you can do:
- Listen to others even if their viewpoints are different from your own and continue to validate the feelings that you have.
- Focus on the things you have control over.
- Reflect on the fact that, at the moment, you are safe.
- Prioritize your own self-care.
- Seek support from friends, colleagues, or a professional if your distress begins interfering with your function, your work, or your relationships.
- If you are feeling helpless, learn more about how to help in relation to the war in Middle East and in Ukraine and get involved. Donate aid to organizations who help the people who need your support the most during these crises.
For coping tips for traumatic events and disasters, go to:
For resources on how to talk with children about violence, please go to:
For a list of other self-care options, you can also go to our COE self-care website for resources for faculty, staff, students, and the community at
The educational and counseling communities continue our commitment to restoring peace and safeguarding human life at this time of conflict in the Middle East and Ukraine.
Warmly,
Shari