CT School Shooting Invites Trauma

shooting

(PCM) The tragic events in Newtown CT left 27 dead, an elementary school full of traumatized children and a bucolic town tarnished with the shock and horror of innocent death with which to cope, and the entire country remains blanched and horrified in the face of another deadly violent school event. President Obama said, “Our hearts are broken for the parents of the survivors as well, for as blessed as they are to have their children home tonight, they know that their children’s innocence has been torn away from them too early, and there are no words that will ease their pain. “

As I read the accounts of the first responders, they did as much as they could to not to traumatize the surviving children and adults. They instructed the children to close their eyes and removed them from the scene immediately. They took them to the fire station, a place of safety, where counseling teams were available for parents, teachers, responders, and children and will continue to be available. Local churches quickly organized evening memorial services to help residents gather and cope. Connecticut Gov Malloy said, “You can never be prepared for this kind of incident.”

In the press and media, parents were immediately urged to guard their children from absorbing any excess images and themselves from watching too much of the coverage. It is critical that people remember that in actuality school shootings are really rare and only the media coverage makes them seem like a ‘trend.’ It is important that children not come to be fearful of gunman coming to their schools …and relax and enjoy their learning environment. Think about it: the truth is, statistically, car accidents are far more likely than school shootings. But we happily get into our vehicles, buckle up, and go on our way safely, without anxiety. As we should …so should our children continue to attend school each day with the same sense of safety.

Let’s discuss the idea of psychological trauma, the real kind, defined by actual damage to the psyche as a result of an event so severely distressing one may be concerned with safety …not the so-called “trauma” I see on some TV programs defined by chipped manicures, traffic tickets, or temper tantrums …that is really “drama.” Back to real trauma, when it is severe enough or repeated it may cause physical or chemical damages to the brain which impacts ones response to future coping and stress called resilience. Problems with this are diagnosed as Post Traumatic Stress and other related disorders.

It is very important to care for people, especially children, in ways which does not cause trauma. People’s reactions to traumatic events do vary and we must be sensitive. Just like some folk faint at a paper cuts, butchers can carve animal carcasses, and doctors can sew stitches in people, one cannot predict how a person will react to events now or over time. Some people need to talk, some don’t, some have nightmares, some can’t sleep, some overeat, some can’t take a bite, etc. The events which do not distress one person can traumatize another. However, in extreme circumstances, when people are exposed to tragic events and disasters we must help one another cope.

If you or someone you care about is traumatized for any reason, it is good to connect with a doctor to rule out any medical issues. Then consider a mental health professional experienced with trauma. While you may be feeling depressed, the treatment for trauma is not the same for depression. When an adult or child is treated for depression and the reason is trauma, it takes longer and sometimes the person wonders what is wrong with them that they can’t seem to improve.

If there is trauma in your life it is very important to take special care of routines like sleep, nutrition, exercise, work, healthy play, socialization, possibly religion, time in nature, maybe a pet, volunteering, etc. These are critical in children’s lives …but you must also carefully manage these issues if you are an adult, all while seeking counseling.

Lastly, you must have sanctuary; a safe place: home, room, diary/ journal, desk chair, drawing space, yoga mat, workbench, therapist’s office, best friend’s rocking chair, church, favorite tree in the forest, …a sense of safety is critical and you must have spaces to go to unwind and share your inner feelings in an unconfined manner. Having places of safety will help you heal to know that the world is as safe as it can be and helps with long term recovery.

Actually, these items are all good things for all of us to have in life, however, those with trauma must have them for a balanced, functional life.

Gail-Elaine Tinker, M.S. is a Psychotherapist/Life Coach in Lehigh Valley, PA and environs in private general practice with specialties in trauma, addiction, grief, and adult autism. For more information go to tinkerpsychotherapy.com or contact her directly at 610-216-4319.

AP Photo/Newtown Bee, Shannon Hicks) MANDATORY CREDIT: NEWTOWN BEE, SHANNON HICKS

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