Warwick, Johnston and Cranston have undergone a particularly difficult week or so, due to the terrible threats made against young students in those communities. It has been a traumatic event for the youngsters, parents, teachers and other school staff, public safety professionals, community leaders and others.
As the Rhode Island area site for the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, Family Service of Rhode Island works across the state on trauma issues particularly relevant to parents with young and adolescent children, and teachers and others as well. We have posted at www.familyserviceri.org several tip sheets from the network and one from the National Association of School Psychologists that should be particularly helpful in speaking with children about the threats. I urge you to visit the site to download the information.
Some quick tips to bear in mind:
Some tips particularly geared to educators:
Anyone, adult or child, feeling unusually frightened or sad or with other issues getting in the way of normal life should seek professional help. Trauma can have effects long after the cause has disappeared. If we can be of service, please call us weekdays at 519-2280, or contact another mental health provider.
Above all: take any trauma you experience seriously, whether from community threats, personal loss such as a death or an accident, or a similar event and seek help if needed. There are many caring professionals who can support you and provide therapy and guidance. You, and your children or students, are not alone.
Jeanne Sherman, LMHC, is a Warwick resident and a clinical supervisor at Family Service of Rhode Island.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here