Linda Newell

Many people may experience physical and emotional reactions to the recent shooting at Deer Creek Middle School. To help people through this difficult time, counseling, referrals, and education are available through Jefferson Center for Mental Health, the nonprofit mental health center serving our community for more than 50 years.

During difficult times such at this, it is important to remember to take care of yourself and those close to you.

Children are particularly vulnerable to exposure to traumatic events and they have different ways of expressing their reaction and need some special help to cope.

How Adults Can Help Children and Youth Through Difficult Times

Talk honestly about the incident and share some of your own feelings about it. Children and teens need to feel informed when they see their parents and other adults reacting to a crisis.

• Encourage children and teens to talk about their concerns and to express their feelings. Some children may be hesitant to initiate such conversation, so you may want to ask what your child has heard and how they feel about it.

• Limit television viewing of news reports, particularly for younger children.

•  Let children know that tragic incidents are not common and that, day-to-day, schools are safe places.

•  Spend extra time with your children and your family. Hugs help!

• If you are concerned about your reaction or that of someone you know, talk to someone you trust . . . a friend, family member, school counselor, clergy, physician, local mental health center or your own mental health professional.

About Jefferson Center for Mental Health
Celebrating its 52nd year, Jefferson Center for Mental Health helps to bring hope for a brighter future to thousands of community members who struggle with mental health challenges. As the community’s nonprofit mental health center serving Jefferson, Gilpin and Clear Creek counties, Jefferson Center serves people throughout its three-county area with over 350 staff at over 20 locations, and also works in schools, nursing homes, senior centers and other community settings. Center staff has expertise in numerous areas including children and family issues, adults with serious mental illness, suicide prevention, early intervention, juvenile justice, and trauma treatment. Jefferson Center offers a full continuum of specialized behavioral health services for every age, including wellness services and community classes.  Click on this link for more information. www.jcmh.org