How to Handle a National Tragedy
People all over the country are trying to cope with the tragic event that took place in Orlando, Florida over the weekend. This video may be able to help.
This video (at the top of this page) about coping with tragedy was filmed last year. It's actually talking about a shooting that happened at Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia, but the ways to cope and handle a tragic situation still hold true to this latest event.
The video talks about us as humans, have always searched for the answers, a meaning for why something so awful could happen. We want to know the details - How could someone do something so horrendous, Why did it have to happen, and other questions that mostly likely, will never get answered.
The video goes on to say an important part of coping is accepting what has happened and providing support. It also explains the importance of talking to kids about these events, but making sure the talk fits with the child's age - You don't want it to seem like you're hiding anything from them, but at the same time kids don't need to know all the details of what happened during a national tragedy.
Dealing with any sort of tragedy can be difficult, but one of the most important things you can do, is find meaning in the event - Whether it's a scholarship fund that gets set up for some of the victims, the community coming together to remember those lost, or getting a conversation started on what needs to change so this never happens again.
In the video, Thomas Milam M.D. explains how he believes in the power of the human spirit over evil - How the compassion of people, love, and kindness will always beat out violence and other tragic acts.
If you're having a hard time dealing with the horrific event that happened in Florida over the weekend, watch the video at the top of this page. It won't fix anything, but it may give you a better understanding for the way you feel, and help you cope with those feelings.