Students across the country may be feeling less motivated to do homework and have an even lower desire to be in class after the Sept. 11 attacks, said Dr. Michael Villanueva, a psychologist at UNM.
Villanueva, who specializes in post-traumatic stress disorder, said UNM is no different.
Andrea Caddell, a junior at UNM, said she gets sidetracked with what is happening in the world and has problems focusing on class work.
"I have changed a lot since September 11th," she said. "I am now more concerned with my friends safety and well-being rather than being concerned with what is happening within the class."
Villanueva said this is normal behavior after an event such as the attacks.
"Before a tragic event, we may have one major focus or drive, but after something very traumatic happening to us that may not be as important as it once was," Villanueva said.
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He said the behavior also is common among rape victims.
"When someone gets raped they have a new philosophy on life," Villanueva said. "They see things in a different light and what may have been important to that individual may not be as important after that drastic event. They may lose focus in their jobs and career and want to be only with their family and friends."
When we are affected by tragic events, we become more concerned with our families, children, communities and faiths, he said.
"People no longer are concerned as much with personal goals, but rather being involved with other people and making sure we are safe as well as the people around us - and students are no different," he said. "Discussing political philosophies seems miniscule compared to if my children are safe and what our future holds."
Villanueva said people also become more interested in being a part of a community.
"You'll see more people flocking to places of worship and participating more in community events," he said. "People no longer see themselves as wanting to be an individual."
Some symptoms some individuals may suffer after a traumatic event are: lack of sleep, anxiety attacks, short attention span and lack of concentration. Villanueva stressed that these are normal conditions and are appropriate in the time of major tragedies.
Villanueva said people can take several steps to get back to their normal routines. He said people should try to take their mind off of what is happening in the world by having fun.
"A good way to relax your mind is to volunteer," he said. "Exercising and getting away for the weekend can also be relaxing."
