Mental health tips offered to deal with crisis

In the wake of Tuesday’s shooting at Oxford High School, Oakland Community Health Network is providing tips to manage stress and trauma associated with such a crisis.

Advice for parents:

• Acknowledge what happened. If your child is talking or asking about traumatic events, it’s important for caregivers/loved ones to acknowledge what happened, provide age-appropriate information and be supportive.

• Parents may want to approach older children who may have seen the news or videos on social media and talk about what they know about the incident and their thoughts/feelings about it.

• Recognize the effect on your child. Talk to your child about their thoughts and  emotions as it pertains to the event and validate their feelings and concerns.

• Help your child to feel safe. A sense of normalcy and routine as soon as possible after an  event helps to re-establish a child’s sense of safety and structure. Discuss whatever positive  aspects can be found in tragic events such as the quick police response and how community  members and citizens from all over come together to show support.