Support After Tragedy
Overview
Tragedy comes in many forms, such as mass shootings, war, racism, hate crimes, natural disasters, and pandemics, to name a few. Explore resources to support both children and adults during and after tragedies.
Printable Tools
Be PREPARED
It can be difficult to know what to say, how much to say, or when to say anything about challenging topics with a child. Utilize this printable tool for support in having open communication with youth about difficult topics.
Self-Affirmations for Trying Times
Self-compassion is the process of turning compassion inwards and is one way to navigate trying times. Self-compassion is associated with greater psychological health and happiness. Download this tool to access words of self-compassion.
Videos
UCLA Health Pediatric Grand Rounds: Anxiety Caused By Tragedy
The impacts of a traumatic event look different for children in various developmental stages. Learn to identify child reactions to stress and ways to best support them following community threats and tragedy.
Articles
Sharing Difficult News With Children
As clinicians, we are asked some version of the following on a regular basis. When we should tell our children:
Websites
Age-Based Tips and Lessons to Help Students Process Upsetting Events for Educators
When tragedies occur, students of all ages may be exposed to varying levels of information through social media, news outlets, or overhearing conversations. Educators and school staff may recognize a need to address the tragedy itself and/or the emotional impact it may have on their students within the classroom. This resource provides strategies to skillfully discuss when tragic events occur and links to additional age-based tips and resources for news and media literacy.
Constructivist Listening
Constructivist listening is an effective strategy for engaging in conversations that are both intellectually demanding and emotionally challenging. It is distinct from most forms of listening in that its purpose is for the benefit of the speaker, not the listener. Access this website to learn more.
Coping With Reactions to School Shootings
The amount of exposure to images or stories about a traumatic event may have an effect on the development of Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS) symptoms. Research on the effects of indirect exposure to social media and internet coverage of traumatic events is still in its infancy, but some studies point to an increase in PTSD-like symptoms following the viewing of images and stories about a traumatic event. This suggests the need to limit exposure to news and other sources of information, especially if you have ...
Explaining the News to Our Kids
Coming up with skillful ways to talk to kids about national tragedies and disturbing news can be incredibly difficult for parents. This resource offers age-based tips for parents on how to talk with kids about difficult events in ways that support kids in processing the facts as well as their own emotional reactions.
