Coping With Tragedy -
Resources for the Community
Coping with a tragedy is a process that every individual moves through differently. It often helps people to know that what they are experiencing, and the way that they are behaving, is completely normal under the circumstances.
People React in Many Ways
- No one in the community is untouched by these events.
- It is normal to feel anxious about you and your family’s safety.
- Profound sadness, grief, anger or physical reactions are normal reactions to an abnormal event.
- It is also common to want to strike out at people who have caused great pain.
- However, nothing is accomplished by hateful language or actions.
- People all heal at their own pace.
- Acknowledging our feelings helps us recover.
Ways to Ease Stress
- Talk with someone about your feelings and concerns, even though it may be difficult.
- Spend time with family, friends and pets.
- Participate in memorials and other rituals.
- Use existing support groups—family, friends and church.
- Asking for what we need and reaching out to help others can help in healing.
- Take care of yourself and your family. Staying active in your daily life patterns—healthy eating, rest, exercise, work, relaxation—can help the healing process.
When to Seek Professional Help
- If you find that you are using drugs or alcohol to cope.
- If you have difficulty concentrating, communicating thoughts, sleeping or maintaining balance.
- If you are reluctant to leave home or feel depressed, hopeless, confused or disoriented.
- If you are experiencing overwhelming guilt or self-doubt.
As part of your community, Howard Center for Human Services, Northwestern Counseling & Support Services and the Vermont Department of Health recognize that the residents of Essex, St. Albans and surrounding areas have suffered tragic losses.
While we believe that indviduals and the community will get through this difficult time, it is important to let you know that we will support you in any way that you feel necessary. Please feel free to contact us at any time.
Contact Information
- 24-Hour Confidential Support Hotlines
Howard Center for Human Services
(802) 863-2400
- First Call for Children & Families
(802) 488-7777
- Northwestern Counseling
1-800-834-7793
(based on information from the National Mental Health Information Center and the American Red Cross)