Incidents of Mass Violence
Risk Factors for Distress
Because incidents of mass violence- such as acts of terrorism, shootings, and other events where there are multiple fatalities and/or injuries -are human-caused and with the intention of harming or killing others, among disasters they can be especially devastating to those that experience them, including:
- Survivors of the incident (adults, children and teens)
- Loved ones of victims
- First responders, rescue & recovery workers
- Neighbors and community members surrounding the incident, especially those in the area at the time the violence happened.
Incidents of mass violence can disturb our collective sense of order and safety, and therefore the 'circle of impact' can extend to even those who live far outside of the impacted area with no personal connections to the event. For example, a shooting at a high school may trigger feelings of distress around the country because it upsets our ideas that schools are supposed to be safe places- kids, parents and caregivers anywhere could experience significant distress following the incident.
In addition, after an incident of mass violence has occurred, those who have struggled to recover from similar, past experiences may have painful memories triggered that can result in distress symptoms reappearing: flashbacks to sounds, smells and images from the event, heart racing, trouble sleeping or concentrating, etc.
No matter where you are in the 'circle of impact' after an incident of mass violence, the Disaster Distress Helpline provides year-round, 24/7 phone (1-800-985-5990) and SMS (text 'TalkWithUs' to 66746) crisis counseling for anyone who is experiencing emotional distress within the U.S. and territories.
Terror Alerts, Lockdown Notices and other Warnings
If a terror alert, lockdown notice or other warning is issued via television, radio, social media or text alert systems because security personnel or emergency services have been notified of a threat to public safety, those living, working, or going to school in the area where the activity is occurring may naturally start to feel distressed- even to the point where they feel 'paralyzed' with anxiety, fear, confusion and uncertainty for themselves or if loved ones are in the targeted area.
If you experience feelings of distress during a terror alert, lockdown, etc.:
- Follow 'shelter in place', evacuation or other safety notices
- Reach out to someone you trust for support and guidance
- Offer support to others, including to children and teens, who may seem overwhelmed
- Provide assurance to children and teens that you are with them and, in age-appropriate language, keep them informed with news as needed
- Take steps to get accurate information in order to feel calmer and more in control
- Get news from sources other than solely from social media, where reports can sometimes be sent out too quickly to be accurate. Also, try calling your city's '2-1-1' information and referral line, turn to a trusted radio or TV news source, or look out for reports issued by local, county or state emergency management agencies
- Avoid calling 9-1-1 for anything other than emergencies, to keep 9-1-1 operators and channels free for those who need immediate help
- If you have access to the internet or texting via smart phones, use those to stay in touch with loved ones inside or outside of impacted areas, to keep phone lines free for emergency responders
If you are outside of the impacted area:
- Try to limit your watching or reading of news reports, especially if you seem to be having difficult performing daily tasks; find a healthy balance between being informed and keeping to your routines
- Minimize kids' exposure to news reports on the internet, TV and radio in the home (including background noise) to avoid unnecessary fear and anxiety. After the event is over, when young children hear people talking about mass violence or hear it on the radio or see images on the news, they may not understand the event has passed and may think the violence is continuing which can lead to further distress.
Coping
For tips on coping following an incident of mass violence, click hereand also check outTip Sheets and Additional Information, below.
Warning Signs of Distress
Distress- the emotional and psychological reactions we have in response to a stressful event such as an incident of mass violence -can appear before (in an 'alert' or warning), during or immediately following the event, or can sometimes not appear until long after the event (a 'delayed reaction').
Signs of emotional distress following incidents of mass violence may include:
- Eating or sleeping too much or too little
- Pulling away from people and things
- Having low or no energy
- Feeling numb or like nothing matters
- Having unexplained aches and pains like constant stomachaches or headaches
- Feeling helpless or hopeless
- Excessive smoking, drinking or using drugs (including prescription medication)
- Feeling unusually confused or forgetful
- Worrying a lot of the time; feeling guilty but not sure why
- Feeling like you have to keep busy
- Hyper-vigilant- constantly thinking that something is going to happen, including when you hear sirens or news reports of other emergencies
- Irritable; constant yelling or fighting with family and friends*
- Having thoughts and memories related to the event that you can't seem to get out of your head; nightmares
- 'Triggers' such as smells or sounds that 'take you back' to the event; sweating or heart racing when you experience these triggers
- Unable to perform daily tasks like taking care of your kids or other dependents, trouble showing up to work or school on time or at all (excessive absences), trouble concentrating and getting things done, etc.
- Thinking of hurting or killing yourself or someone else.
Most people touched by an incident of mass violence may have one or more of these reactions, but they will go away in a short period of time after the event, especially with support from loved ones. Others, depending on the extent of their experience during the incident may have more severe, longer-lasting reactions and will need more time and resources in order to recover. But no matter the specific circumstances surrounding your experience with the incident, it's important to reach out for help if you are showing any signs of distress.
Where can I get help?
If you or someone you know shows any of these warning signs, whether you know they are in relation to a flood or if you aren't sure how they started ...Talk with us. You are not alone!Call our toll-free number 1-800-985-5990 or text "TalkWithUs" to 66746 (Spanish-speakers can text Hablanos to 66746) for support and counseling. Calls and texts are answered by trained, caring counselors from crisis call centers located throughout the U.S.
Additional Resources
Information and Referrals
The national '2-1-1' network of call centers offers up-to-the-minute, local, disaster-specific information and resources. Visit http://www.211.org to locate a specific center serving an impacted area, or simply dial '2-1-1'.
Local Crisis Counseling Services
The Disaster Distress Helpline provides 24/7/365 crisis counseling and support for all 50 states and territories via a network of local crisis centers. If you are looking to connect with a local crisis center directly, visit the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to look up the nearest call center serving an impacted area, or dial 1-800-273-TALK [8255].
*Intimate Partner, Sexual or Family Abuse
Sometimes before, during or after incidents of mass violence, what may seem like 'fighting' between intimate partners or family members may actually be a symptom of a larger pattern of abuse. For victims of intimate partner violence (dating or domestic violence); sexual violence (rape or other forms of sexual harassment or assault); or of family violence (child abuse, elder abuse, sexual abuse and other patterns of abuse and victimization between family members) disasters may heighten their sense of isolation and vulnerability before/during/or after the event.
If you or someone you care about is or may be experiencing (in the past or currently)intimate partner, sexual, or family abuseor violence-call the Disaster Distress Helpline, or reach out to:
National Teen Dating Violence Hotline
1-866-331-9474
http://www.loveisrespect.org/
- TTY 1-866-331-8453 - Text "loveis" to 77054
Rape, Abuse, Incest National Sexual Assault
Hotline 1-800-656-4673 (HOPE)
http://www.rainn.org/
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline
1-800-422-4453 (4-A-CHILD)
http://www.childhelp.org/
National Center on Elder Abuse (U.S. Administration on
Aging)
Website with state-by-state resources:
http://www.ncea.aoa.gov/ncearoot/Main_Site/Find_Help/State_Resources.aspx
Tip Sheets and Additional Information
SAMHSACoping With Violence and Traumatic
Events
Tip sheets for students and teachers, families, first responders
and many other topics related to incidents of mass violence:
http://www.samhsa.gov/trauma/
National Child Traumatic Stress Network
(NCTSN)Shootings, Terrorism & other Crises
http://www.nctsn.org/trauma-types/terrorism
American Psychological Association (APA)Disasters and
Terrorism
http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/disaster/index.aspx
Disaster and Emergency Preparedness
Creating safety and emergency plans for your home and business can give you a sense of control and help you and your loved ones to feel calmer when incidents of mass violence and other disasters & emergencies strike.
For information on disaster and emergency preparedness, visit:
American Red Cross
http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/terrorism
ASPCA Disaster Preparedness for Pets
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/disaster-preparedness/
Centers for Disease Control (CDC)Mass Casualty Event
Preparedness and Response
http://emergency.cdc.gov/masscasualties/
Sesame StreetLet's Get Ready: Planning Together for
Emergencies
(involving children in family preparedness)
http://www.sesamestreet.org/parents/topicsandactivities/toolkits/ready