Resources for Coping with the Ohio High School Tragedy
In the wake of the tragic shooting at Chardon High School in Ohio, we’d like to offer support to the victims, families, and all impacted by this sad event.
Coping with violence and trauma is challenging for everyone. Even if you are not directly affected, it may bring up some past experience of loss or trauma.
Everyone responds to news like this differently – some people have an immediate response and for others it may take some time. It is important to keep the lines of communication open with family, friends, teachers, and other sources of support and comfort. It’s also important to make sure that the needs of children are being met.
If you or someone you are close to are experiencing distress and need someone to talk to immediately, please call the Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH) via phone 1-800-985-5990 or text ‘TalkWithUs’ to 66746. The helpline is dedicated to providing disaster/trauma crisis counseling, operates 24 hours-a-day, seven days a week and is free and confidential.
If you or someone you are close to are having a difficult time or want to know how to help someone that you care about, visit the following links for information that might be helpful www.samhsa.gov/trauma. Resources include tips for emergency responders, students, schools, adults, and families.
It is an important point that this trauma may bring up another trauma you experienced in the past. It is important to talk to someone, preferably a professional, that can help you through this difficult time. Another thing to consider, is that trauma may happen weeks after, so be prepared. Everyone can respond and act differently so do not feel ashamed or downplay how you feel. Please take care of yourself and talk with a professional.
On behalf of Chardon residents, parents,(I’m both), teachers, staff, and especially our students –teens at the high school, and all in our district: THANK YOU, SAMSHA, for providing this article with resources. It is most appropriate and needed. As a drug education officer in the county just north of Chardon, I work with youth in a variety of capacities, some with Chardon students. It has been amazing the outpouring of support, prayers and care from so many people, from so many places. We thank you as we move slowly through this tragedy, individually and together, to place of healing. I will ready to pass this article along when needed. May our schools, communities and families across this nation learn from our horrible event that it does matter to go beyond awareness and into action: to communicate openly, honestly, timely…in situations of danger and in need for comfort. With gratitude. ONE Heartbeat ~ Chardon