Most of Us Can Bnefit from Finding More Ways to Improve Our Mental Health
Written by: Jamie McCabe, MS, LPC
In the days and weeks following the tragic shooting at the Annunciation Church and school it is normal for kids and parents alike to feel fearful. Expressing these feelings and learning how to manage them are important so children can go on to thrive and have a successful school year.
Often parents try to avoid these difficult conversations out of concern that it will create more fear or being unsure of how to approach the topic. Many times children will learn of these events through the news, social media or their peers which often brings them a lot of misinformation and can lead to more panic. However, when parents bring up the topic it allows the parents to give more accurate and age appropriate information.
Some Suggestions to Incorporate Into These Conversations Are:
Ask your child to share what they may have heard or already know so you can start by correcting any inaccurate information they may have received and start by addressing any specific fears or concerns they may have. Do not feel like you need to share every detail of the incidents but be open to letting them ask questions and sharing what you feel is appropriate for them to know.
Validate their feelings. Let them know that their feelings are normal and ok to have. It is appropriate for you to also share that these events are upsetting and scary for you as well.
Review ways they can feel safe at school. Remind them that you, their teachers and school staff have their safety in mind always. You can review with them the safety drills they already do at school- include all of the safety drills as reminders such as fire drills, tornado drills along with the active shooter drills. We can never control everything but when we have a plan in place it can help us feel more in control.
Have them work on focusing their attention on the things they enjoy at school to see that school is a positive environment that they have enjoyed and can continue to enjoy and grow in. Remind them of the resources they have at school if they are struggling such as school counselors, teachers and other staff they feel safe and comfortable reaching out to.
If you or your child continue to feel high levels of distress related to these topics and you feel it is impacting things like sleep, appetite and ability to function during the day then seeking
