OXFORD (WWJ) -- In the wake of Tuesday’s shooting at Oxford High School, which left four students dead and and seven others wounded, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is providing some tips to manage trauma.
According to The National Child Traumatic Stress Network, shootings are extremely traumatic experiences, and coping can be stressful. Children and teen’s reactions are influenced by how adults including teachers, parents and other caregivers respond.
Health experts say parents should acknowledge what happened and give age-appropriate information to their children. Providing basic facts in the aftermath of a traumatic event can help alleviate stress and calm fears.
Take steps below to speak with your children about violence and help them cope through tragedy:
1. Reassure children that they are safe. Validate their feelings and let them know all feelings are okay when a tragedy occurs.
2. Make time to talk. Be patient and let children guide how much information you share by the questions they ask. Young children may need other activities like drawing or playing to identify and express feelings.
3. Keep explanations developmentally appropriate based upon age.
4. Review safety procedures both at school and at home.
5. Observe your child’s emotional state. Note that children may not be able to verbally express grief and may need the help of a mental health professional.
6. Limit the amount of time spent consuming information on traumatic events on television or social media.
7. Maintain a normal routine. A regular schedule can help with healing and aid in managing grief.
Finally, be aware of any behavioral changes from children following a stressful or traumatic event, such as a school shooting.
Common reactions can include feelings of anxiety, fear and worry about safety of self and others; fear that another shooting may occur; changes in behavior such as increases in activity levels, decreases in concentration and increases in irritability; physical complaints such as headaches, stomach aches, or other aches and pains; and trouble staying focused and increased sensitivity to sounds.
Encourage children to discuss their emotions with you or another trusted source.
MDHHS also offers the Michigan Crisis and Access Line (MiCAL) in Oakland County. Residents can call or text 844-44-MICAL (844-446-4225) 24/7 for free behavioral health crisis triage, support, resource information and referral to local services. Chat is also available through Michigan.gov/MiCAL.
--To learn about speaking to your children about safety, visit HopkinsAllChildrens.org.
--To learn about speaking to your children about violence, visit NaspOnline.org.
--If you or a loved one is concerned about suicide, call 800-273-8255 or visit SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
--To help your children manage distress after a shooting, visit Apa.org.
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