Support in Challenging Times

Discussions on sexual assault and relationship violence in the news, in the community, and at work may prompt painful memories or complex emotions for you and your colleagues. The WorkLife Office can help you approach difficult conversations with coworkers, supervisors, family and friends and help connect you with resources during this troubling time. The WorkLife Office mission is to partner with the MSU community to create an inclusive, responsive work environment where all faculty and staff are respected and supported toward well-being in work and personal lives. We are committed to supporting a university culture that honors and respects the varying needs of our university community, especially during this challenging time. Some general recommendations and resources for navigating challenging dialogues are below.

 

Ways to support your colleagues and survivors:

  • Listen. Allow others space to be heard without judgment.

  • Respond to others with compassion and empathy. Express that you care about their feelings and perspectives.

  • Try to be sensitive to others’ needs. Don’t assume you know what would be best for them. Ask how you might best assist them.

  • Encourage others to take advantage of campus resources and to attend Reflect and Connect.

  • Support programs that help influence positive changes on campus.

  • Re-familiarize yourself with the guidelines for mandatory reporting.

  • Consult with your supervisor about hosting meetings or reflection sessions in your unit – contact the WorkLife Office if you would like assistance in hosting this type of session for your unit.

 

Ways to practice self care:

  • Consider limiting your exposure to social media or other news sources. Often, overexposure to specific topics can cause additional stress.

  • Ask for help. If you need a safe place to talk, use the free counseling resources provided by the Employee Assistance Program for faculty, staff, graduate student employees, and retirees. You can also access free family and couple therapy sessions through the end of spring semester 2018 offered by the Couple and Family Therapy Clinic.

  • Try to engage in activities that energize you.

  • Pay attention to your sleeping patterns and try to add more rest when needed.

  • Allow yourself time to process and to decompress.

  • Recognize that you may excuse yourself from an uncomfortable conversation or ask to talk about the difficult subject at another time. The following points may help you transition from a difficult discussion with a family member or friend:

    • I understand and respect your feelings. I’m still working through my own thoughts on this topic.

    • Thank you for sharing with me. Once I’ve had more time to think through my feelings, I’d like to revisit this with you.

    • Even though I work at MSU, my knowledge on this topic is limited to what has been in the news.

 

Ways to help in the classroom:

 

Ways to help in the community:

 

Additional resources: