When Times are Tough, FEAP is Here for You
The recent events on Grounds has impacted the well-being of many in the UVA community. The escalation of tension and violence surrounding protests related to the devastating loss of life in Gaza and Israel has been observed at several universities over the past weeks. Further, any violence occurring on our Grounds is especially difficult, and it is completely normal for our community to feel overwhelmed.
The Faculty and Employee Assistance Program (FEAP) recognizes the significance of supporting faculty and staff during these challenging times. This article aims to remind you of FEAP’s confidential, trauma-informed support services.
FEAP is a Confidential Resource
FEAP understands that the recent violence on Grounds over the tragic events in Gaza and Israel has left many faculty and staff feeling distressed, anxious, and in need of support. We want to assure you that when you reach out to FEAP for help during this challenging time, your privacy and confidentiality will be protected.
For nearly 30 years, FEAP has operated as a trusted, confidential resource for Faculty and Staff, recognizing that confidentiality is essential to our service. FEAP is here to create a space where you can process your emotions, thoughts, and experiences related to any event without fear of judgment or repercussions. If you have any questions about confidentiality or how FEAP can support you during this difficult time, please don't hesitate to contact us.
FEAP Offers Trauma-Informed Care
We recognize that Saturday's events have been deeply distressing for many in our community. Even if you were not directly involved, witnessing or hearing about traumatic events can have an impact on your mental health and well-being.
Trauma can be experienced directly or vicariously. Experiences such as physical violence, encounters with racial bias or discrimination, or witnessing a traumatic event can profoundly affect our brains, our emotional baseline, and our ability to function in daily life.
FEAP offers trauma-informed assessment and short-term counseling services to employees dealing with an immediate crisis or historical trauma that is actively impacting their daily functioning. Traumatic stress injury is a normal reaction to abnormal events.
Although everyone experiences traumatic events differently, some possible symptoms include:
- Inability to remember parts of the traumatic event
- Intrusive, upsetting memories of the event
- Flashbacks (feeling like the event is happening again)
- Irritability or outbursts of anger
- Hypervigilance (on constant alert)
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Nightmares
- Feeling intense distress when reminded of the trauma
- Intense physical reactions like pounding heart, sweating, nausea
- Avoiding activities, places, or thoughts that remind you of the trauma
- Feeling detached from others and emotionally numb
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, FEAP's trauma services can provide education about natural trauma reactions, support resiliency, and encourage the use of healthy coping skills. The sooner symptoms are recognized and addressed, the easier it may be to overcome them. FEAP trauma services support stabilization and promote healing. We can also connect you with community resources.
FEAP is here to support you during this challenging time. Please reach out to us for help in processing your experiences and reactions.
FEAP is Here for You
It's important to remember that you don't have to face these challenges alone. FEAP is here to support all faculty and staff, regardless of your role, background, or personal beliefs about the complex issues at hand.
Most of the time, we can handle life's difficulties on our own, yet sometimes the weight of our reactions and the broader implications of some life events can feel overwhelming. Asking for help in these moments is a sign of strength and self-awareness, not weakness. It's an essential first step in working through your challenges and finding effective ways to cope and heal.
FEAP is available for individual consultation and short-term, focused counseling for all faculty and staff seeking support in navigating the impact of the recent events on Grounds or any other personal issues and concerns. Whether you need a safe space to process your emotions, guidance on supporting students or colleagues, or help developing self-care strategies, FEAP is here to listen and provide resources tailored to your unique needs and perspective.
Our counselors understand that everyone's experiences and reactions are valid and worthy of care and attention. We are committed to creating an inclusive, non-judgmental environment where all faculty and staff can feel heard, respected, and supported. Regardless of your role at UVA or your personal views on the social and political issues at play, FEAP is here to help you find healthy ways to cope, communicate, and contribute to the well-being of yourself and the community.
If you're struggling, please don't hesitate to reach out to FEAP. We are here for you, ready to listen, support, and help you find a way forward. Together, we can work towards healing, understanding, and resilience for all members of our diverse UVA community.