This year’s election, as pointed out in both opinions pieces this week, has been unusually intense. The results ensuing Facebook and in-person arguments have led some people to believe that their country or their friends disrespect their points of view or even their core identities.

And on Monday, an email from Point Park Chief of Police Jeffrey Besong noted an increase in harassment in Point Park’s vicinity since the election.

Those real-life instances can take an emotional and mental toll on students, and it’s important to address the potential damage they can cause.

It’s especially important for Point Park, which is a notably, vibrantly queer and diverse school.

That’s why Taffie Bucci, the university counselor, should be applauded for organizing and hosting a post-election support group last Wednesday to help students process what a Donald Trump presidency will mean for them.

This Tuesday, she hosted one specifically designated for Trump supporters.

As colleges around the country held similar events, some criticized the fact that they even existed. They characterized the support groups as full of whiners or childish millennials.

But, as Wednesday’s support group demonstrated, these events aren’t just for weak kids who can’t face reality. They’re for people whose lives are on the precipice of changing in real and potentially traumatic ways.

Losing your health insurance, having a family member deported, having friends cut off contact with you – these aren’t things that exist theoretically, in the minds of crybabies. They are things that cannot help but affect you, by virtue of being a human.

College is one of the few times that people have access to some free mental health services. Too few students take advantage of those resources, but by making them immediately available in the wake of a traumatic event, Point Park is taking necessary steps for its students’ well-being.

So kudos to Point Park for recognizing that and acting accordingly. It’s been a rough election, and helping its students through it emotionally is both responsible and kind.