Many families are trying to wrap their minds around the recent tragedy that claimed the lives of at least 18 elementary school students and 2 teachers in Uvalde Tuesday morning.
The students who were shot and killed were all said to have been in either the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th grades at Robb Elementary School.
The city of Uvalde is about 90 miles west of San Antonio, which is just four hours away from the Houston area.
Understandably, many parents around the nation are preparing to explain to their small children what has occurred in our state.
If you, or someone you know, experienced loss during this mass shooting, experts from Memorial Hermann Health System provided the following coping mechanisms to help you get through this difficult time.
The festival was attended primarily by teens and young adults, and memories of the event will have some struggling to understand. Memorial Hermann also provided specific resources that may offer a good starting place for helping to support children, adolescents and their families coping with grief:
Grief Counseling
For many individuals, one-on-one grief counseling support can be an essential component of the healing process. If your employer or school has counseling support available, you may want to reach out to find out more about what counseling may be offered for free. You may also contact your insurance company to inquire if counseling services are covered and to obtain a list of in-network therapists.
The Psychology Today website is another resource where you can search for counselors in your area by various criteria including specialization (such as “grief counseling” or “bereavement counseling”). Bo’s Place can also provide a list of grief counselors who provide services on a sliding scale per request through their referral line at (713) 942-8339.
Grief Is a Process
Grief is an ongoing process. While some may feel an expectation to “get over” a loss quickly, most people find that it takes time to heal. It may take more time than we ever imagined. There may be ups and downs. Everyone experiences grief differently, and being compassionate to yourself and others going through grief can be beneficial. It could be months or even years before you begin to feel more like yourself again after a difficult loss. As you navigate coping with the pain of loss, you may find it helpful to have the support of friends, loved ones, counselors and support groups. We hope these resources are a comfort to you and your loved ones as you begin the healing process.
[Special thanks to the Memorial Hermann Health System for having these readily available resources for those in need.]
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The students who were shot and killed were all said to have been in either the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th grades at Robb Elementary School.
The city of Uvalde is about 90 miles west of San Antonio, which is just four hours away from the Houston area.
Understandably, many parents around the nation are preparing to explain to their small children what has occurred in our state.
If you, or someone you know, experienced loss during this mass shooting, experts from Memorial Hermann Health System provided the following coping mechanisms to help you get through this difficult time.
- 211 United Way Helpline: If you are struggling or are in need of resources, support is available to everyone in the Greater Houston region by dialing “2-1-1.” Trained professionals answer the line 24/7, 365 days a year to assist you with accessing community resources including homeless shelters and survivor services, counseling support, food aid, medical aid, resources for veterans, addiction treatment resources, support for people with disabilities, natural disaster recovery assistance, and more. Support is available in over 90 languages. Just dial 2-1-1, or see their site to find out more.
- Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress is available to you and your loved ones at (800) 273-8255.
- Addressing Practical Matters & Urgent Needs
- Grieving Adults
- Grieving the Loss of a Child
- Chaplaincy Services of Memorial Hermann
The festival was attended primarily by teens and young adults, and memories of the event will have some struggling to understand. Memorial Hermann also provided specific resources that may offer a good starting place for helping to support children, adolescents and their families coping with grief:
- Grieving Special Circumstances
- Help for Young Adults
- Help for Children & Adolescents
- Bo’s Place Support Groups for Children & Adolescents: Bo’s Place is located in Houston and offers free support to the community. Young Adult Support Group Children Support Groups Print Resources: A Child’s Behavior Is Like an Iceberg Back to School: Grief in the Classroom Children and Funerals Grief & Discipline Helping Children Remember the Deceased How to Help a Grieving Child How to Support a Grieving Child Returning to School Talking With Children About Death Grief & Guilt Sleep Issues: Insomnia, Vivid Dreams & Co-Sleeping Gratitude Worry and Grief in Children
- The Dougy Center: The National Center for Grieving Children & Families
- Coalition to Support Grieving Students
- Recommended Reading (Books): Healing a Child’s Grieving Heart, by Alan D. Wolfelt Guiding Your Child Through Grief, by James P. Emswiler and Mary Ann Emswiler Recommended reading list from Bo’s place for: Grieving Children Grieving Adolescents
Grief Counseling
For many individuals, one-on-one grief counseling support can be an essential component of the healing process. If your employer or school has counseling support available, you may want to reach out to find out more about what counseling may be offered for free. You may also contact your insurance company to inquire if counseling services are covered and to obtain a list of in-network therapists.
The Psychology Today website is another resource where you can search for counselors in your area by various criteria including specialization (such as “grief counseling” or “bereavement counseling”). Bo’s Place can also provide a list of grief counselors who provide services on a sliding scale per request through their referral line at (713) 942-8339.
Grief Is a Process
Grief is an ongoing process. While some may feel an expectation to “get over” a loss quickly, most people find that it takes time to heal. It may take more time than we ever imagined. There may be ups and downs. Everyone experiences grief differently, and being compassionate to yourself and others going through grief can be beneficial. It could be months or even years before you begin to feel more like yourself again after a difficult loss. As you navigate coping with the pain of loss, you may find it helpful to have the support of friends, loved ones, counselors and support groups. We hope these resources are a comfort to you and your loved ones as you begin the healing process.
[Special thanks to the Memorial Hermann Health System for having these readily available resources for those in need.]
RELATED ARTICLES:
Live updates
18 children, 3 adults killed in shooting at Uvalde elementary school, Texas senator says
Uvalde school shooting PHOTOS: Latest images from the scene, aftermath
Texas leaders react after at least 15 killed in Uvalde elementary school shooting
Biden speaks following deadly elementary school shooting in Uvalde
Texas elementary school shooting echoes the Sandy Hook massacre
Active shooter incidents increased more than 50 percent last year, FBI data shows
Continue reading...