Grief Support

Individual Counseling

Student Counseling Center

The SVSU Counseling Center has expanded its hours and services and is available for students who would like to receive grief support. Individual appointments can be scheduled by calling (989) 964-7078 or by email at counselingservices@svsu.edu. Hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Child & Family Services of Sagina

Child & Family Services of Saginaw is offering free tele-health grief support for students so please call (989) 790-7500 and mention you are an SVSU student.

List Psychological

List Psychological is offering free grief support for students so please call (989) 790-3130 and mention you are an SVSU student.

Residential Students Support

You can reach an RA on duty Monday - Thursday 4:30 p.m. to 8 a.m., and Friday 4:30 p.m. to Monday 8 a.m.

• FYS/MJB: (989) 964-2988
• LCS/LCSW: (989) 964-2986
• UVE/UVW: (989) 964-2984
• PG: (989) 964-2985

You can reach out to your RD as well:

• FYS/MJB: Kyle Beaman, ktbeaman@svsu.edu, (989) 964-7050
• LCS/LCS: Chelsea Brown, cabrown4@svsu.edu, (989) 964-2501
• UVE/UVW: Jamie Ouye, jjouye@svsu.edu, (989) 964-4945
• PG: Allie Sturtridge, ajsturtr@svsu.edu, (989) 964-2290

Text Support Available

Faculty from SVSU’s Department of Social Work and Youth Services are available for text support to students. Text support will be available from licensed social work therapists.

Cathy Macomber (989) 295-1894
Chris Fike (989) 207-3055
Kim Johnson (678) 477-6823
Lucy Mercier (810) 845-7015
Matt Mitchell (989) 598-4560
Teresa Beadlescomb (734) 489-1025

Additional Resources

MI Hope Portal

MI Hope Portal, powered by 211 Northeast Michigan, is a web-based resource, connecting the Great Lakes Bay Region to the help they need.
https://www.mihopeportal.com

Crisis Text Line

Text BELONG to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor. Free 24/7 support at your fingertips.
https://www.crisistextline.org

University of Michigan Psychiatry Resources for COVID-19

This information has been developed by faculty members with extensive expertise in many of the issues affecting you and your families during this critical “stay at home” period.
https://medicine.umich.edu/dept/psychiatry/michigan-psychiatry-resources-covid-19

University of Michigan Depression Center Toolkit

The Toolkit provides information, tools, support, and resources to guide you through your mental health journey.
https://www.depressioncenter.org/depression-toolkit

Employee Assistance Program

The Life Advisor EAP is a university-funded benefit that offers the support and resources you need to address any personal or work-related challenges and/or concerns that may affect your personal well-being and/or work performance. It is confidential and free to all faculty and staff as well as their eligible family members, including spouses/partners and dependent children.

Life Advisor EAP Benefits:

• 24/7 access to Life Advisor Consultants
• Solution-focused, short-term, in-person or virtual counseling with licensed professional counselors for issues such as relationship and family concerns, grief/loss, stress, anxiety and depression, substance abuse and overwhelming emotions.
• Coaching Services for support and motivation to achieve a work-life goal such as professional development, continuing education, job coaching, career transition, conflict resolution, healthy habits and self-improvement goals.
• Eldercare or childcare referrals
• Financial or legal referrals
• Working Advantage Discount Program for access to discounts on hundreds of offers on hotels, events, attractions, products and more.

For more information, visit www.lifeadvisorEAP.com
To access services, including 24/7 crisis assistance, call 1-800-448-8326.

Additional Resources

MI Hope Portal

MI Hope Portal, powered by 211 Northeast Michigan, is a web-based resource, connecting the Great Lakes Bay Region to the help they need.
https://www.mihopeportal.com

Crisis Text Line

Text BELONG to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor. Free 24/7 support at your fingertips.
https://www.crisistextline.org

University of Michigan Psychiatry Resources for COVID-19

This information has been developed by faculty members with extensive expertise in many of the issues affecting you and your families during this critical “stay at home” period.
https://medicine.umich.edu/dept/psychiatry/michigan-psychiatry-resources-covid-19

University of Michigan Depression Center Toolkit

The Toolkit provides information, tools, support, and resources to guide you through your mental health journey.
https://www.depressioncenter.org/depression-toolkit

Resources

When a Coworker Dies

When a coworker dies, it can affect us in ways we may not anticipate. We spend a significant amount of time with our coworkers and often become friends. Even if we are not close, we share a daily environment. The loss may be felt in reminders of shared projects, conversations and routines.

It can be confusing or even unsettling to experience the depth of these feelings. Some people may try to distance themselves from these emotions or deny them. However, it is natural and appropriate to be affected. A coworker’s death may also remind us of life’s unpredictability.

Reacting and Coping

People experience grief in different ways. Some mourn openly, while others do so privately. Reactions may be immediate or delayed. There is no right or wrong way to grieve.

What to Do When a Coworker Dies

Several factors influence how we respond to loss, including past experiences, beliefs, health and social support systems.

If you are grieving, consider the following:

• Talk with someone you trust about the loss and your feelings.
• Remember your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is confidential and available 24 hours a day.
• Share memories or experiences related to your coworker.
• Maintain healthy habits such as proper nutrition and sleep.
• Avoid unhealthy coping methods such as drugs or alcohol.

Coping with a Traumatic Event

Ways to Find Support

A traumatic event is any sudden or unexpected situation that affects emotional well-being, sense of safety or ability to cope. Examples include workplace incidents, sudden accidents, death, violence or personal crises impacting work.

After a traumatic event, you may feel sadness, fear, anger or confusion. You may also have difficulty concentrating or feel overwhelmed. These are normal reactions.

Common Reactions

Reactions to trauma may last days, weeks or longer. Symptoms can be physical, emotional or mental.

Physical Symptoms

• Nausea or upset stomach
• Tremors or shakiness
• Sweating or chills
• Dizziness or rapid heartbeat
• Headaches or muscle aches
• Chest pain (seek immediate medical attention)

Emotional Symptoms

• Anxiety, fear or guilt
• Grief, sadness or depression
• Anger or irritability
• Shock or numbness
• Isolation or loneliness

Mental Symptoms

• Difficulty concentrating
• Confusion or disorientation
• Memory problems
• Trouble making decisions
• Distressing dreams

What You Can Do

• Recognize that your reactions are normal and will improve over time.
• Avoid comparing your experience to others.
• Avoid alcohol or non-prescription drugs as coping tools.
• Allow thoughts to occur, but limit how long you dwell on them.
• Maintain regular routines to support recovery.
• Use available workplace resources such as HR or support programs.
• Take care of your physical health with proper nutrition and hydration.
• Engage in physical activity to reduce stress.
• Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga.
• Watch for signs that additional help may be needed.

Finding Support

• Contact your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support.
• Talk with coworkers, supervisors, family or friends.
• Seek professional counseling if symptoms persist or worsen.

Additional Resources

For additional support, visit:
www.unum.com/lifebalance
Phone: 800-854-1446