We all have been touched in some way by the tragic events surrounding the bombings at the 2013 Boston Marathon.
Regardless of our personal connection to the individuals and families directly affected by the blasts, we feel a deep sense of sadness and fear. Our experience of the bombings and the ongoing media coverage may also trigger feelings of grief, loss, and trauma related to our own past experiences. We also wonder how we can possibly discuss all of these events with our children.
Hopefully some of these resources will be of help to you and your family as we all move forward together:
- The National Child Traumatic Stress Network has a great collection of resources for parents on how to talk with and support your children following the bombings. They also have links to resources for children and families who were injured and for pediatric professionals.
- The Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance has created a resource listing of free mental health services in Massachusetts. They also have information about applying for Crime Victim Assistance if you were injured in the Boston Marathon bombings.
- The Disaster Distress Helpline (through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) is a free and confidential helpline you can call if you are feeling emotional distress related to the bombings – call 800-985-5990 to be connected to information, support, and counseling. You can find great information here on what distress might look like and suggestions for coping methods.
