Wellspring EAP Response - School Shooting

In response to the recent school shooting at the Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Oregon, Wellspring EAP ™ is providing the following resources to help individuals and families through their emotional responses to this tragedy. 

This event which has taken place in the Pacific Northwest community, may evoke feelings of fear and anxiety, or bring back thoughts associated with other school shootings that have happened closer to home.  If you need support, or specific resources, please call us anytime.

  • Managing Your Distress In The Aftermath Of A Shooting CLICK HERE
  • Helping Your Children Manage Distress In The Aftermath of a Shooting CLICK HERE

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When something tragic happens, it’s normal to have stress reactions to such events. The severity of your reaction depends on the nature of the situation, your involvement in it, and how you are coping with other stressors in your life at the time of the incident.  Most stress reactions resolve within a few weeks, with good self-care and support from friends and family.

Common reactions to an extreme stressor include:

•  Physical reactions: tightness in the throat or chest, trouble sleeping, lack of appetite, fatigue, headaches, lower back aches.
 
•  Emotions: sadness, irritability or anger, fear, anxiety, and guilt.
 
•  Thoughts: disbelief, inability to concentrate, confusion, difficulty with decision-making.
 
•  Behaviors: avoiding reminders of the event, withdrawing from others, increased use of alcohol, restlessness.
 

There are many ways to cope with the aftermath of a traumatic situation. Some that you may find helpful include:

 
•  Accept that the reactions you are experiencing are normal following a traumatic incident.
 
•  Take a break from the news when coverage is making you feel overwhelmed.
 
•  Keep a journal. Writing can be very healing. Write down your thoughts, fears, pain and despair.
 
•  Reach out to your support system. Find people who will listen to you, and comfort you. This could be friends, family,  clergy, or a therapist.
 
•  Take care of yourself physically. Get 8 hours of sleep, try to eat balanced meals, drink plenty of water, and take walks  outside. Avoid alcohol and drugs not prescribed by your physician. And remember to breathe!
 
If your reactions do not resolve within a few weeks, or you are experiencing disturbing images or nightmares, call us for a referral to a qualified therapist experienced with trauma.

 

Wellspring EAP
Wellspringeap.org