Resources for Coping with Community Violence and Trauma
We’re all experiencing some level of suffering and sadness after the Texas school shooting and the Highland Park (a Chicago suburb) parade shooting. Beyond these terrible attacks, community violence has been an all too frequent reality in many Chicago neighborhoods. With the pandemic quarantine (mind you, we still have a journey ahead of us) just in our rearview mirror, all of Chicagoland has struggled with the cumulative impacts of trauma that have been compounded by the recent mass shooting in Highland Park. Many families have reached out inquiring about how to support their family’s mental wellness today and going forward. As we noted in our recent talk, Helping Kids When Trauma Hits Home with Lee Wells, LCSW, Dr. Courtney Wells, and Julie McClellan, LCSW, therapy is not the only answer. In fact, as Dr. Courtney Wells noted, many Americans experience at least one trauma in their lifetime, and just a very small percentage develop Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. In other words, the ways in which we naturally connect to others and engage in activities are inherently healing. Although there are so many ways to engage in healing, if fear, pain, and hopelessness are interfering with meaningful activities and/or your everyday life, please reach out for support.
If you or your children need support in the aftermath of community violence and trauma, many resources are available. Here are a few resources Mind Chicago therapists trust and use:
Talking to Children: When Scary Things Happen | Hablando con los ninos cuando sucede la violencia
Talking to Teens about Violence | Hablando con los adolescentes cuando sucede la violencia
Tips for Talking Youth after a Disaster or Traumatic Event
National Child Traumatic Stress Network
Helping Children Cope After a Traumatic Event - Age-by-Age Guide
