Mental Health Matters
Caring for Each Other in Times of Crisis
Newsletter Highlights
- Local and National Help and Crisis Lines
- Best Practice Resources for After a Traumatic Event
- Online guides for how to talk to youth about traumatic events
Trainings and Events from Community Partners:
- 3/13/23 and 4/10/23 Free Collective Trauma and Resilience Virtual Trainings hosted by Community Mental Health Association of Michigan and the Great Lakes (HHS Region 5) Mental Health Technology Transfer Center Network
- Virtual and In-Person QPR Suicide Prevention Trainings hosted by CMHA-CEI
- 2/21/23: Free Online Youth Speak Event: The Effects of Social Media
- 5/18/23: Free Online Youth Mental Health First Aid Training
- Free Online Tri-County Community Health Resource Guide featuring community partners
After a Traumatic Event: Best Practices for Parents, Caregivers and School Staff
There are no words to heal the wide range of emotions we are experiencing around the mass shooting at MSU and the recent threats to local schools with lock downs and swatting calls.
At times like these, we come together and focus on what we can do to be caring to ourselves and to one another. Toward this end, we offer some best practices from school psychologists, medical experts, and trauma researchers on how best to care for youth, their caregivers, and educators during this vulnerable time.
Care for Youth:
- Provide Stability: Let children know the most immediate and important people who provide stability in their lives are there for them.
- Listen Calmly: Make time to listen calmly to children’s concerns. It’s one of the most powerful ways to help young people feel safe and secure.
- Normalize children’s feelings: It’s normal to feel fearful after threats to safety, and it’s healthy for youth to express their feelings. Listen for children’s’ concerns first. Let children lead the conversations.
- Reach Out for Adult Support: If you are having difficulty coping with your reactions, support from family, trusted friends, clergy, and/or mental health professionals can be helpful. See resources below if desired.
- Recognize Reactions: Identify your own concerns, fears, and feelings of anxiety, sadness, as well as frustration and anger. By recognizing your own reactions, you will be in a better position to listen to your children and be present for their unique responses.
Expression, Connection, and Education:
- Help Youth Express Themselves: Children and adolescents may not be able to describe their reactions or fears. Instead, they may focus on ways they are experiencing disruption to their normal lives and act out. Without help from caregivers, their distress may only be expressed in problematic ways.
- Connect and Educate: Recent events provide an opportunity for families to connect on broad social topics and provide factual information. While no death is acceptable, this type of violence remains relatively rare, according to 2020 research. Consider limiting media exposure to avoid oversaturation.
- Provide Routines: Routines provide children with a sense of predictability and control. When routines are changed and safety is compromised, it can make children feel even less in control of themselves.
- Don’t Skip the Good Now: Pay attention to and celebrate the good that is here now. This is vital for youth (and adults).
Focus on What You CAN Do:
- Be Proactive/Help: Families fare best emotionally when they have a shared mission. Consider ways your family or classroom CAN help address the violence and threats together: donate time or money to organizations who are helping, start a group at school, provide your input to legislators, participate in community action events, etc.
Adapted excerpts from:
https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/school-shootings-talk-with-kids
https://childmind.org/article/anxiety-school-shooting/
https://www.cnn.com/2022/05/17/health/mass-shootings-anxiety-fear-support-wellness/index.html
Need Support? Help and Text Lines
OK2Say Michigan
Anyone can report tips confidentially on criminal activities or potential harm directed at students, school employees, or schools. Call 8-555-OK2SAY (855-565-2729) or text: 652729 (OK2SAY) 24 hours a day.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
For those who are experiencing a mental health crisis, call 988 or text 741741 for the Crisis Text Line. Available 24 hours a day.
Community Mental Health Authority of Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham Counties Crisis Helpline
Adults, parents, and caregivers can call the crisis helpline at 517-346-8460. Available 24 hours a day.
Stay Well Counseling Line from Michigan Stay Well Program
Call 1-888-535-6136 and press “8.” This is a confidential phone line in Michigan that connects people experiencing a non-life threatening need for mental health support with a counselor 24 hours a day.
The Bridge of Arbor Circle Youth Crisis Line
The Grand Rapids-based Bridge of Arbor Circle offers a youth crisis line 24 hours a day at 616-451-3001.
Flyers and Guides for Helping Children and Adults after a Traumatic Event
National Asssociation of School Psychologists
- Talking to Children about Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers (available in multiple languages) 2 page guide and infographic
Care for Caregivers: Tips for Families and Educators One page guide and infographic
- After a Crisis: Helping Young Children Heal one-page guide
- Age-Related Reactions to a Traumatic Event
National Institute of Mental Health
CMHA Free Collective Trauma & Resilience Online Webinars
These free webinars on Collective Trauma and Resilience are presented by Community Mental Health Association of Michigan and the Great Lakes (HHS Region 5) Mental Health Technology Transfer Center Network. Registration is required in advance.
March 13, 2023, 9:00am – 10:00am EST
You Matter! Proactive Responses that Foster Resilience and Wellbeing (1 Hour)
April 10, 2023, 9:00am – 10:00am EST
Know Yourself: Stress, Secondary Traumatic Stress, & Moral Injury (1 Hour)
QPR Suicide Prevention Trainings from CMHA-CEI
CMHA-CEI is offering free online trainings:
3/9/23 11:00 am online
3/30/23 10:00 am online
4/13/23 6:00 pm in person Grand Ledge Area District Library
Need Help with Basic Needs, Wellness Care, or Support?
How to Share our Newsletters & Contact Us
If you are receiving duplicates of this newsletter, wish to subscribe or unsubscribe, feel free to reach out to hmakimaa@eatonresa.og. Thanks!