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Coping with Violent/Traumatic Events

Stress, anxiety and other depression-like symptoms are common reactions after any natural or human-caused disaster.

WAYS TO COPE WITH STRESS:

• Follow a normal routine as much as possible
• Take care of yourself
• Talk about your feelings and accept help
• Connect socially
• Stay active and get out and help others

HOW CAN PARENTS HELP THEIR CHILDREN AFTER A DISASTER/TRAUMATIC EVENT OCCURS:

• Maintain a normal routine as much as possible
• Keep home a safe place
• Talk and listen
• Encourage expression of feelings
• Reassure
• Take information breaks
• Connect with others

GET MORE HELP IF:

• You have symptoms of stress, like feeling sad or depressed for more than two weeks
• You are not able to do your job or go to school
• You have trouble sleeping and experience nightmares and recurring thoughts about the event
• You are not able to care of yourself or family
• You engage in risky behaviors like alcohol or drug use
• You have thoughts about suicide

If problems continue or you are thinking about suicide talk to a licensed mental health professional, doctor or community or faith based provider.

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO:

• https://www.cdc.gov/features/copingwithstress/
• http://www.nctsn.org/trauma-types
• http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/coping-with-traumatic-events/index.shtml
• http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/ptsd
• http://www.samhsa.gov/trauma/
• http://www.naeyc.org/content/coping-violence

HOW TO FIND PROVIDERS IN CONNECTICUT’S COMMUNITY RESOURCES DATABASE:

Search by service name:

• Adolescent/Youth Counseling
• General Counseling Services
• Bereavement Counseling
• Psychiatric Disorder Counseling
• Substance Abuse Counseling
• Mental Health Hotlines
• Suicide Prevention Hotlines

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SOURCE: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
PREPARED BY: 211/mm
CONTENT LAST REVIEWED: August2017