As the first military strikes against Iraq commenced last night, the Penn community has been forced to cope with the reality of war.
Counselors from Counseling and Psychological Services have predicted a rise in anxiety among members of the Penn community, mostly due to the situation's high levels of uncertainty.
"People have very strong feelings," CAPS Director Ilene Rosenstein said. "This is a difficult time -- period."
However, CAPS officials point out that the tension created by war with Iraq is increased by the stress due to academic demands.
While some of the concerns reported deal with U.S. troops and Iraqi civilians, most issues that students face involve uncertainties present in their own lives and how they are being affected by the war.
Students have reported being troubled by numerous issues, including past traumas and a preoccupation with family members living abroad, Rosenstein said. Also, concerns have been directed to the grim economic future that many students feel they will be facing upon graduation.
Depending on the duration and the intensity of the conflict, counselors at CAPS -- located at 133 S. 36th Street -- have said that they will be devising new ways to get in touch with those in need of support.
"The board will vary in response" to the events of the war, Rosenstein said.
CAPS is planning to make an effort to reach special groups of students -- especially those concerned with Iraqi retaliation and their own visa issues -- to offer support.
However, CAPS has no plans to modify the structure of the services offered. Instead, Rosenstein said that CAPS' goal at the moment is to remind students to "take good care of themselves."
Counselors suggested that students try to find a balance between their academic requirements and their involvement in the current events -- whether they actively participate in rallies or simply are "CNN junkies." Students should try to maintain a daily routine, turning off the news for part of the day.
CAPS counselors have already dealt with conflict situations, in particular when the Gulf War took place.
Rosenstein, however, said that this war has "a different feel," mostly because students are now feeling unsafe in the U.S. in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks -- a feeling that was absent in the time of the Gulf War.
Rosenstein said that "students seem a little more confused.... They seem to have strong feelings toward George Bush, in one way or another."
Counseling services are also available at the Penn Women's Center at 3643 Locust Walk.
But Donna Gladstone, administrative assistant at the Women's Center, said that the center has not yet received visits from students with concerns about the war.
Penn's religious communities also continue to offer an outlet to students.
Yesterday afternoon, a small handful of religious leaders, community members and students came together in the Hall of Flags in Houston Hall for a "Community Gathering for Reflection."
The gathering, styled in the Quaker tradition of "creative listening," was intended to give an opportunity for meditation and communication in a non-debate format, according to University Chaplain William Gipson.
Participants gathered in a circle, occasionally interrupting the silence to share their fears, frustrations and hopes on the impending war -- but for some, simply the silence itself was useful.
"Silence in the company of others at a time like this is a really great thing, and I value that," said Sue Harte of the Newman Center.
Though yesterday's event drew only a small crowd, religious leaders say that as news of war with Iraq unfolds, more gatherings will be scheduled.
