Local Community Struggles to Cope with Trauma of Stockton Mass Shooting
In the aftermath of a devastating mass shooting that claimed the lives of four individuals, including three children, the community is left reeling in shock and grief. The tragedy occurred during a child's birthday party, leaving 11 others injured, including a 9-year-old child.
For younger kids, processing this trauma can be especially challenging. Dr. Amy Parks, Executive Director of NAMI Fresno, cautions against sharing too much information with children at an age that may not be developmentally ready to handle it. "It's sad," she notes. "It's scary and confusing." Instead, she recommends validating their feelings, allowing them to express themselves without necessarily delving into the details of what happened.
Providing a safe space for kids to talk about their emotions is crucial, according to Dr. Parks. She warns parents and caregivers to be vigilant for changes in behavior, such as decreased appetite or disconnection from usual activities, which can be indicative of difficulties processing the trauma.
For adults, Dr. Parks suggests acknowledging and accepting negative emotions that may arise when confronted with traumatic news. "We try to push them away," she notes. "It's really important to feel them, feel those feelings." By allowing oneself to process these emotions, one's brain is better equipped to cope with the trauma.
However, it's essential to set limits and maintain a healthy emotional state while navigating this intense period. Dr. Parks recommends focusing on gratitude as a means of rewiring the brain towards positive mental health. Consistently practicing gratitude can help shift one's perspective and foster resilience in the face of adversity.
As the community continues to grapple with the aftermath of this senseless tragedy, it is clear that support and guidance are crucial for those affected. By prioritizing emotional well-being, validating feelings, and cultivating a sense of hope and resilience, individuals can begin to heal and find ways to move forward.
In the aftermath of a devastating mass shooting that claimed the lives of four individuals, including three children, the community is left reeling in shock and grief. The tragedy occurred during a child's birthday party, leaving 11 others injured, including a 9-year-old child.
For younger kids, processing this trauma can be especially challenging. Dr. Amy Parks, Executive Director of NAMI Fresno, cautions against sharing too much information with children at an age that may not be developmentally ready to handle it. "It's sad," she notes. "It's scary and confusing." Instead, she recommends validating their feelings, allowing them to express themselves without necessarily delving into the details of what happened.
Providing a safe space for kids to talk about their emotions is crucial, according to Dr. Parks. She warns parents and caregivers to be vigilant for changes in behavior, such as decreased appetite or disconnection from usual activities, which can be indicative of difficulties processing the trauma.
For adults, Dr. Parks suggests acknowledging and accepting negative emotions that may arise when confronted with traumatic news. "We try to push them away," she notes. "It's really important to feel them, feel those feelings." By allowing oneself to process these emotions, one's brain is better equipped to cope with the trauma.
However, it's essential to set limits and maintain a healthy emotional state while navigating this intense period. Dr. Parks recommends focusing on gratitude as a means of rewiring the brain towards positive mental health. Consistently practicing gratitude can help shift one's perspective and foster resilience in the face of adversity.
As the community continues to grapple with the aftermath of this senseless tragedy, it is clear that support and guidance are crucial for those affected. By prioritizing emotional well-being, validating feelings, and cultivating a sense of hope and resilience, individuals can begin to heal and find ways to move forward.
... just kidding, kinda. But seriously, I feel for the families who lost loved ones and those who got hurt. It's crazy how one event can hit so many people, especially when it happens in a place that's supposed to be safe, like a kid's birthday party 
. I hope Dr. Parks' advice helps folks process their emotions without getting stuck on the details... not everyone's ready for that level of trauma 
. Focusing on gratitude is a good tip, though – maybe we can all try to find some silver linings in these dark times? 
I cant even imagine what the parents of those little kids are going through rn 
it's like you're living in a nightmare where nothing makes sense. The fact that 3 kids were killed is just too much 
and now everyone's struggling to cope with trauma... how can u not?! 
we need more than just support, we need action! We need policies in place to prevent such tragedies from happening again 
I mean, come on, 4 kids dead and 11 others injured? That's just crazy! 
And you know what's even crazier? How some people are gonna try to downplay the trauma it causes for kids. Like, no way, doc! Dr. Parks is totally right though - validating their feelings and not sharing too much info at once is key. I mean, who wouldn't be scared or confused after something like that? 
And yeah, parents need to keep an eye out for changes in behavior, 'cause that's a red flag if you ask me. 
But what really gets me is how some people try to "feel" their way through trauma without taking the time to actually process it. I mean, it's not that easy just to "feel those feelings" and be done with it. That takes time and effort. 
And don't even get me started on gratitude - yeah, yeah, it's a thing, but it doesn't erase the pain of losing someone you love. 
. I think its super important that we as a society prioritize emotional support & validation for everyone affected by trauma 
. Sharing traumatic news with kids or not knowing how to process your own emotions can be really overwhelming 
. Let's focus on spreading love, kindness & positivity during this tough time 
.
This whole thing is just so sad man... four kids lost their lives 
. It's not about sharing the details of what happened, but just being there for them 
. We gotta prioritize their emotional well-being over trying to 'stay strong' or 'be brave'. That's just gonna make things worse 
. It's heartening to see experts like Dr. Parks emphasizing the need for validation and acceptance, rather than suppression or avoidance. Practicing gratitude can indeed serve as a powerful coping mechanism, but it's equally crucial to acknowledge that healing is a highly individualized process. What works for one person may not work for another 
like seriously though what's up with sharing too much info with kids at first they need space to process their emotions but then parents gotta be there for them too 
