Within the wake of Tuesday’s shooting at Oxford High School, Oakland Community Health Network is providing suggestions to administer stress and trauma related to such a crisis.

Advice for folks:

• Acknowledge what happened. In case your child is talking or asking about traumatic events, it’s vital for caregivers/family members to acknowledge what happened, provide age-appropriate information and be supportive.

• Parents will probably want to approach older children who can have seen the news or videos on social media and discuss what they know in regards to the incident and their thoughts/feelings about it.

• Recognize the effect in your child. Discuss with your child about their thoughts and  emotions because it pertains to the event and validate their feelings and concerns.

• Help your child to feel secure. A way of normalcy and routine as soon as possible after an  event helps to re-establish a toddler’s sense of safety and structure. Discuss whatever positive  elements might be present in tragic events reminiscent of the short police response and the way community  members and residents from throughout come together to point out support.

Suggestions for Adults:

• Everyone experiences events and trauma in other ways. How someone thinks and feels after such an event is OK. Fear, anger, shock and sadness are common responses. Encourage people to discuss their thoughts and feelings.  Seek support from friends, family or professionals if crucial.

• Attempt to get back to routines and schedules to advertise feelings of consistency and balance to  reduce fear and supply a sense of returning control and predictability.

• Be mindful in regards to the amount of exposure to news reports on the incident, particularly for youngsters. It’s OK to maintain updated, but continuing to view the photographs, etc. will worsen and lengthen  the problems the person is experiencing.