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It scares me to think, how quickly my memory of the Buffalo racist and hate crime that killed 10 people faded away. I think my brain had to make way for Uvalde, Texas massacre that killed 19 children and 2 adults almost immediately after that. And this is while the funerals of the Buffalo shooting victims are still happening as we speak.
If I feel like this is a burden on me and my children to comprehend such horrors from so far away, I cannot imagine the plight of the parents, the loved ones, the teachers who will live on with PTSD, the school administrators, the first responders and other members of the community who live in close proximity to these events. The burden on school counselors, social workers and the health care system is going to be insurmountable in the coming weeks and months.
Near or far, everyone who has heard or are unfortunately an involuntary part of these tragedies must be treated with love and care. Here are a few resources to adults, students and everyone in the community.
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Gun Violence And Mental Health Resources:
TXT 4 HELP – National Safe Place: TXT 4 HELP is a free service offered to all youth in crisis. Text4Help is available 24/7 365 for school students.
https://www.nationalsafeplace.org/txt-4-help
On your mobile, type: Text4Help
Text 1-844-201-9946 to be connected to a mental health professional.
Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers:
https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-safety-and-crisis/school-violence-resources/talking-to-children-about-violence-tips-for-parents-and-teachers
Find out other Mental Health Resources HERE.
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