Validating Feelings and

Normalizing Reactions
Objectives

- Identify feelings/reactions related to

the pandemic or any form of disaster.
- Accept that all feelings and reactions
are normal and valid.
H O W ARE YOU ALL
FEELING TODAY?
Activity

Graph your Feelings

• Happy

• Excited

• Worried

• Confused
Common Reactions of Students to Stressful
Events
o Feel a strong responsibility to the family.
o Feel anxious brought by uncertainty of the
future.
o Feel intense or prolonged grief for not being
able to wake.
o May become self-absorbed and self-pity.
Common Reactions of Students to Stressful
Events
o May experience changes in their relationship with
other people.
o May also start taking risks, engage in self-
destructive behavior, have avoidant behavior, and
become aggressive.
o May experience major shifts in their view of the
world accompanied by a sense of hopelessness about
the present and the future.
Common Reactions of Students to Stressful
Events
o May become defiant of authorities and parents
while they start relying on peers for
socializing through social media.
o May feel guilty and anxious having been
separated from their loved ones due to
lockdown.
WHAT HELPS
• Talking to another person for support
or spending time with others.
WHAT HELPS
• Engaging in positive distracting
activities (sports,
• hobbies, reading)
WHAT HELPS
• Getting adequate rest and eating
healthy meals.
WHAT HELPS
• Trying to maintain a normal
schedule.
WHAT HELPS
• Scheduling pleasant activities
WHAT HELPS
• Taking breaks
WHAT HELPS
• Reminiscing about a loved one who has
died
WHAT HELPS
• Focusing on something practical that
you can do right now to manage the
situation better
WHAT HELPS
Using relaxation methods (breathing
exercises, meditation, calming self-talk,
music)
WHAT HELPS
Participating in a support group.
WHAT HELPS
Exercising in moderation.
WHAT HELPS
Keeping a journal.
WHAT HELPS
Seeking counseling.