Taking Care of You During Crisis
Updated: Jun 14, 2022
Over the past few weeks, news of mass violence have plagued every outlet. Even if these events happen far from you, it's still incredibly heartbreaking and can have an impact on your everyday life. In the aftermath of recent shootings, PMPI would like to bring you some tips and resources:
Avoid consuming too much media: While it's important to stay informed, media portrayals of shootings and mass deaths have been shown to cause acute stress and posttraumatic stress symptoms. Limit your exposure and take a break from news sources.
Don't forget about self care: While it may seem selfish to think about taking care of you first, you cannot be there for others if you are not well. Pay attention to all of your needs - being sure to eat, sleep, move your body, and (if possible) keep a normal daily routine.
Pay attention to your emotional health: Remember that having many different feelings during these difficult times are common. You are not alone in these feelings, let's do what we can to be kinder and more patient to those around us as well to ourselves.
Stay in contact with loved ones: Use your support system, they can help you cope with difficult times and could potentially use a shoulder themselves.
Here are some resources you can use to find out more about coping with mass violence:
ACA Disaster Mental Health Resources: http://www.counseling.org/knowledge-center/trauma-disaster
National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder:
Impact of mass shootings on survivors, families and communities: http://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/newsletters/research-quarterly/V18N3.pdf
Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration
Coping with Mass Violence and Shooting: http://www.samhsa.gov/trauma/
Kaylee Garber
PMPI Business Development
www.pmpitelemed.com