Hi BIA Family,
First, I wish to join in Ameria in expressing my deep, heartfelt sympathy over the horrific events of Friday. Like everybody else, I was renderd speechless, shocked. It is therapeutic for ene to find a way to release these feelings. Pray. Write. sing. run. Scream. Cry. Then redirect that pain and shock to positive outlets and do not obsess. This is important realizing that the media will sensationalize tragedies and we fall into that trap of being glued to the t.v., radio. This is STRESSFUL. (I do not want to minimize the pin of the families at all, but they need our prayers while they deal with the sudden losses, funeral arrangements, swarms of news media in town, etc. and personal grief and pain suffering).
Second, I also knew deep down the matter of mental illness would surface as it typically does. Having said that, please read the infomation below and the next post which best reflect my trust feelings.
Thank you advoates who step up to the plate each time to rock the vote on mental health issues. Yes, we have a long way to go to raise awareness and yes, we have come a long, long way, too. As we struggle with this tragedy, please keep up continuous prayers for the families of the victims. Remember, God is stll able to bring joy the morning after weeping for a night. To me this means that in God's time, He allows us to weep because we are human. Then He brings us joy because He God. amen, Amen? AMEN!
(gun-control advocates...yourturn to step up to the plate for EVERYBODY)
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The Sandy Hook Elementary School Tragedy
NAMI Maryland Statement Includes Trauma Resources
COLUMBIA, MD., Dec. 17, 2012 -- The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Maryland NAMI Maryland has issued the following statement which includes recommended links to trauma resources for families:
"Like other Americans, NAMI Maryland is horrified and saddened by the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School. We extend our sympathy to their families and to all who knew and loved them.
It is extremely important that the Newtown, Conn. community be prepared to provide trauma services and resources to all those affected by the tragedy. Our national community must do so as well. The tragedy will inevitably leave an impression on many children. Parents and caregivers throughout the country will need to reassure them.
American Psychiatric Association recommendations include:
•Create an open and supportive environment where children know they can ask questions.
•Give honest answers and information. Use words and concepts they can understand.
•Help children to find ways to express themselves and to know that people are there to help. Remember also that children learn by watching parents and teachers react and listening to their conversations.
•Don't let children watch too much television with frightening repetitious images.
•Monitor for physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches or other pains.
Additional resources are also available from the Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress (CSTS), the University of Maryland Center for School Mental Health (CSMH) and the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
When tragedies occur, no matter what their nature or cause, national, state and local communities must come together to find out what went wrong and to take steps to ensure it does not happen again. We expect such scrutiny to occur in days and weeks ahead. It is a time to mourn and pray for the victims of a senseless act and for their survivors. As a nation, we must reassure each other."
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About NAMI Maryland
NAMI Maryland is a grassroots organization dedicated to education, support and advocacy for persons with mental illnesses, their families and the wider community. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals with mental illnesses and their families. For more information go to
www.namimd.org or call 1.877.878.2371.
(Remember there is at least one NAMI affiliate chapter in every state!
Passing the brotherly love,
Posted By: agnes levine
Monday, December 17th 2012 at 3:17PM
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