Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress
CSTS | Department of Psychiatry | Uniformed Services University | 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814-4799 | www.CSTSonline.org

Coping with Stress Followinga Mass Shooting
Mass shootings and other disaster■ Be cautious of news or otherevents can be extremely stressful.
commentary that scapegoats
It is important to manage our response toMobile devices and the internet
large groups of people for themass shootings so we are able toprovide instant access to the details
actions of a single individual;of these events, but can alsocare for ourselves, our families,
these perspectives often damage
overwhelm us. Graphic images andcommunity connections andand our communities.
videos, often seen in real time, canmay increase the likelihood of
be very distressing. The seemingly
future violence.
random nature of these events as■ Limit exposure to graphic images and videos on thewell as the 24/7/365 access to information about disasters
news and social media, especially for children.
around the world can leave us feeling unsafe and in■ It is important to talk with children and ask questions
persistent danger after a mass shooting occurs. Constantly
to learn their understanding of a mass shooting event.
feeling unsafe can lead to a variety of behaviors such
Consider the following when talking with children:
as trouble sleeping, irritability, difficulty concentrating,x Use age-appropriate language, ask questions about
increased use of alcohol and tobacco, social isolation, andwhat they may have seen or heard and listen tofear of those around us. In addition to the imagery, news
their concerns; respond in a non-judgmental andcommentary and political rhetoric that surround theseempathic way.
events can enhance distress as well as mistrust, and furthercommunity divisions.
x Pre-school and early school aged children often
It is important to manage our response to mass
wonder if they have caused a bad thing to happen;shootings so we are able to care for ourselves, our families,
if they have become aware of a mass shooting, theyand our communities. Below are steps to help people copeshould be told directly it is not their fault.
more effectively with stress after a mass shooting.
x Remind children and adolescents that even though■ Difficulty with sleep, irritability, and troublesome people hurt other people, there are many
concentrating are normal responses following a mass
people working to keep them safe such as police,
shooting; talk with your Primary Care Provider iffire and rescue, and healthcare providers.
these persist or cause problems with relationships orperformance at home or work.
Additional Resources■ Stay connected with other people, such as friends,■ National Child Traumatic Stress Network
family, and neighbors, that provide positive and helpful— Catastrophic Violence Resources
support; social support helps people recover fromhttps://www.nctsn.org/what-is-child-trauma/traumastressful situations.
types/terrorism-and-violence■ If going to public places or traveling causes distress, go■ Center for the Study of Traumatic Stresswith other people or in groups until distress reduces.
http://www.cstsonline.org■ Check in with other people that were affected; reachingout to connect with others can be helpful to both of you.
■ Avoid increasing alcohol and tobacco to cope withstress; use behavioral techniques to relax (such asbreathing, imagery, and muscle relaxation) that do nothave negative health effects.