Maple Grove Psychologist Offers Tips to Cope with Mass Shootings

Two mass shootings over the weekend happened far away from Minnesota, but some people are experiencing heartbreak and sadness after seeing the aftermath.

And while it’s hard for some adults to express their emotions, it’s even tougher for children.  Clinical Psychologist Lisa Lovelace, from Maple Grove, advises how to talk to children about traumatic events.

“This is the state of the world today, and it’s tough for families to try to figure out what to say,” said Lovelace. She suggests turning off or limiting the television and other electronics. The owner of Synergy Therapy says if you think a child under the age of 6 is upset or sad about the senseless mass shootings, keep your answers basic.

“Say yes, in life, bad things do happen. People do bad things, and there’s a lot of heroes, there’s a lot of people who do good things. People were helping,” said Lovelace.

For older children, ages 12-15, Lovelace, recommends asking them outright how they feel, and don’t avoid the subject.

“Tell them that you’re here for them, that you’re doing everything that you can possibly do to keep them safe,” recommended Lovelace.

With college students, ask them directly how they feel and then ask where they would go should a tragedy happened near them. Go over support systems at school.

“Let them know there are counselors at the school. Get them into support groups with other peers their age, so they have a forum to talk about it,” suggested Lovelace.

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