The Jed Foundation, yesterday, posted recommendations for "Supporting One Another in the Wake of Tragedy: Orlando," saying that this is a time to "reach out to family, friends or counselors to express feelings and explore effective and healthy ways to cope with emotions. In the next few days and weeks, it will be important to look out for each other."
Jed shared the following resources: "If you or someone you know is experiencing signs of distress, please reach out to a mental health professional or get anonymous, free support by texting START to Crisis Text Line at 741-741 or by contacting the Trevor project: call 866.488.7386 or text “Trevor” to 1-202-304-1200."
An up-to-date list of MIT support resources can be found at doingwell.mit.edu. And President Reif shared select resources in his recent letter to the MIT community: "If you or those around you would benefit from guidance and support, reach out to Abigail or Julio, or to any of the relevant MIT resources, such as Rainbow Lounge (50-005), LBGT@MIT the MIT Chaplains, ICEO Ed Bertschinger, and MIT Medical's Mental Health services." For thiose who find solace in music, literature, and information, MIT Libraries also recently curated and shared "an amazing list of titles in recognition of rich diversity of the LGBTQ community" and an evolving visual Pinterest board for Pride Month.
Jed advised that little things can have big impacts now: "[T]alk to friends, family and loved ones. Turn off the TV, computer and phone. Get up and get out—tragedies can weigh so heavily on us that it makes it hard to move. Take a walk, go to the gym, run errands, spend time with friends, volunteer to help. And lastly, everyone should take care of themselves and those around them—physical health and emotional connectedness can go a long way toward making you feel like yourself again." Chris Bourg, Director of MIT Libraries, posted similar advice on her personal blog, "I do know that being kind and gentle and loving to ourselves and to each other feels all the more important right now. So the best I can do is encourage us all to practice extra acts of kindness—random and intentional—in the coming days and weeks."