Here are resources that may be helpful when experiencing the difficult emotions that accompany trauma, crisis, anxiety and grief. If you need to talk to someone, the Disaster Distress Helplineopens a new window is available 24/7 at 1-800-985-5990. Colorado Crisis Servicesopens a new window is also available by phone, text, chat or in person.
For Parents
You may be wondering what to do when kids ask about the newsopens a new window. Here are several resources for how to best help children:
- Colorado School Safety Resource Center's The Role for Caring Adults after a Community Tragedyopens a new window
- School Crisis Center's Guidelines for Talking About Tragediesopens a new window
- The National Association of School Psychologists' Talking to Children About Violenceopens a new window and Brief Facts and Tips for Addressing Griefopens a new window
- The National Center for Grieving Children & Families' Talking with Children about Tragic Eventsopens a new window
Try these books for more help:
Freeing your Child From Anxiety
For Kids
- Sesame Street's Support After an Emergency videoopens a new window and Help for Each Other guideopens a new window
Books to read together with kids:
The Rhino Who Swallowed A Storm
For Teens
- A guide for teens on Coping After Mass Violenceopens a new window
A list of Tragedy and Resilience in Teen Books
For Survivors
- Find stories of strength and recovery after a disaster from Strength Afteropens a new window
- Tips for Survivors: Coping with griefopens a new window and managing stressopens a new window after a traumatic event
- It can be hard to know what to say to survivors and those directly impacted by tragedy. The Coalition to Support Grieving Students' put together a What Not to Say guideopens a new window
For Caregivers
For caregivers such as parents and educators, it's important to remember to take time to care for yourself.
Books for caregivers:
Chicken Soup for the Caregiver's Soul
School & Mass Shooting Resources
- The National Child Traumatic Stress Network's School Shooting Resourcesopens a new window
- American Psychological Association's Managing Your Distress in the Aftermath of a Mass Shootingopens a new window
Community Resources
- A list of local resourcesopens a new window on various topics
