Local counselor gives advice about coping with tragedy

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - A local counselor spoke about how to help your child cope with such tragedies as the one that struck Newtown, Connecticut on Friday.

Even though the tragedy didn’t happen in the Wabash Valley, the pain of loss if felt worldwide.  It's a pain that is confusing and difficult for many to process.

Vigo County School Corporation's Assistant Director of School Counselors Rick Stevens spoke out about how to help you, or your child(ren) cope with these situations.

“I think I would definitely share the situation if [a child] asked about it.  I don’t think I’d force it on them what-so-ever,” Stevens started.  “Each kid reacts to things like this differently.  As this unveils over the next few days, they’ll be some graphic pictures on TV.  I would not show any kids that type of information or those kinds of pictures…that could be detrimental.”

We asked Stevens of a best possible way—if any—for a child, affected by the killings, to cope with the information.

“If a kid likes to write, have them express things.  If a kids likes to talk, let them talk about it,” Stevens said.  “Take the lead from the child and allow them to guide how they’re feeling.”

Stevens said for children, such stresses created from tragedy can and will take time.

“Some kids will bring it up; some won’t bring it up.  Just respect where they’re at in the moment,” said Stevens.

When Stevens was asked if he had any sage words of advice for all, he stated, “These are tough situations to be involved in.  Even though it’s miles away, it hits everyone right in the heart.  You talk about impact across the nation happening as quickly as it has, have parents, adults, talk to others and share their feelings.”

Though there is no single, correct way to deal with such atrocities as what happened in Newtown, Stevens's words of advice can be a start towards helping you, a child, a loved one, a family member, a friend or neighbor cope.