Starting the 2021-2022 School Year in This Climate
Dear UIC Community,
We would like to take a moment to acknowledge the heaviness and complexity of so much happening in the world around us as we begin the 2021-2022 school year. We recognize and are heartbroken by the impact that the horrific situation in Afghanistan has had on the people of Afghanistan and many members of our community. We are further concerned about the ongoing influence of white supremacy and western imperialism reflected in the situation in Afghanistan, including the Taliban’s history of oppression and violence towards women, LGBTQ people, and others who hold marginalized identities.
We are also mourning the losses after the devastating earthquake in Haiti, and we acknowledge that these events are all taking place as both wildfires and a new Delta variant is overwhelming communities at home and abroad. We stand with members of the UIC community who have been impacted by these events and who are trying to cope while beginning a new school year. We hope that our therapy and outreach services, as well as the resources listed below, can offer support during these difficult times.
In solidarity,
The UIC Counseling Center
For those feeling traumatized, hurt, activated, or shut down, please know that your reaction is valid. Try some of the following coping resources:
Coping Tips for Traumatic Events and Disasters
Muslim Mental Health
Black Lives Matter: Healing Toolkits
Mental Health Resources
COVID-19 Coping Tools
Resources for Muslim Mental Health
Mental Health 101: An Islamic Integrated Perspective
Mindfulness
Grounding Techniques
Coping for Veterans
Recovering Emotionally from Disaster
IC-Race Coping Toolkits
For those feeling motivated to take action:
Contact Information for Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth
Find and Contact Your Representatives
Chicagoland World Relief – Helping Our Afghan Allies
Institute for Muslim Mental Health
American Red Cross - Haiti
American Red Cross - Afghanistan
American Red Cross - Wildfires
American Red Cross – COVID-19
Amnesty International
UNICEF – COVID-19
UNICEF - Afghanistan (and here)
UNICEF - Haiti
Women for Afghan Women