As the number of school shootings continues to increase, you may have a whole host of overwhelming and conflicting emotions. These are all normal. Since the latest shooting was in our own backyard, I wanted to focus on ways to cope.
No one knows how to deal with the senselessness of these crimes. I obviously am in no position to know how to solve these problems. Yet I am in the position to help out and offer resources for those who are struggling. I’d like to pass these on to you, and you can pass them on to others. These came from an email from the Texas Psychological Association.
Resources on how to deal with school shootings
The Psychological Impact of the Recent Shooting
You can download a fact sheet on the psychological impact of the recent shooting. There you will find some information on posttraumatic stress disorder, grief reactions, traumatic grief, depression, and physical reactions (such as stomach aches, etc). You can also read about the consequences of the disaster, such as difficulty in school, work and social activities. Getting exercise, good nutrition and sleep will be helpful.
People need to know that their emotional reactions are normal and will decrease in intensity over time.
Tips for Parents on Media Coverage
This sheet talks about the possibility of increased anxiety in children as they hear about or read about the tragedy. How your child copes depends on other factors, such as if you live in the area the event occurred, or if some type of violence has affected your family in the past. As a parent, you can limit your child’s media exposure. Perhaps spend more time together as a family. You can also watch the news stories, discuss them and talk with your children about their thoughts and feelings. Also, be careful of your conversations around them.
Parent Guidelines for Helping Youth after the Recent Shooting
As a parent, it’s important that you also take care of yourself, physically and emotionally. Spend time with your kids and let them know you are there for them to answer any questions and listen to their concerns. Make time for these conversations and make your children feel safe. If your child is acting out or being restless, discuss healthy ways to deal with their feelings such as exercise, journaling, spending time with friends and family. Your kids may be more distracted and need more time and patience with homework or chores. Be aware of their changing attitudes. Of course seeing a therapist is always helpful.
Talking to children about the Shooting
Children may be looking to you to help understand their feelings of anger, fear, anxiety, grief, helplessness, etc. Thus, you need to be the one to start the conversation. Silence will only make it worse. Ask your child what they have seen or heard. If it is incorrect, let them know what you know. Encourage them to ask any questions they may have. You may want to share your feelings too, in what would be appropriate for their age.
Helping Teens with Traumatic Grief
This sheet includes a chart of things that teens may say and how you can respond. Some examples include normalizing their feelings, having more patience, recognize they may not share their fears with you, or minimize things. They may need help understanding realistic dangers in life.
Helping School Age Children with Traumatic Grief
This is similar to the sheet above with a chart of what kids may be feeling and how to respond, but for school age children.
Helping Young Children with Traumatic Grief
As with the traumatic grief sheets above, there are behaviors younger children may exhibit and what you can do.
After the Crisis Helping Young Children Heal
SAFETY is used as an acronym for ways to help your child heal after a crisis. S for safety, things you can do to help your child feel safe. A-allow them to express their feelings. F-follow your child’s lead, for what they need. E-enable your child to share what happened. T-ties. These are people in the community to help you feel connected and safe. Y-your child needs you. Reassure him or her, and recognize they may be a little more clingy than usual.
This is a website with all kinds of information for parents on ways to help, after school shootings or other trauma.
Helping Youth After Community Traumas-Tips for Educators
If you are a teacher, here are some tips of things you can do to help your students.
Anyone can call the Disaster Distress Hotline at 1-800-985-5900.
For mental health support after the Sante Fe shooting you can text SUPPORT to the short phone number 37420 for coping skills and resources in the community.
If you have any questions or concerns about school shootings, or know of someone that may need to speak with a mental health professional, please call me at 713-304-6554.
Take care,
Debbie
