Reacting to Senseless Tragedy
The Family Service Center team, along with the greater community, is mourning and grieving the July 4th tragedy in Highland Park. We extend our deepest sympathies to the victims and their families who will experience this trauma for a long time to come.

As a mental health agency, we appreciate the many ways this tragic and senseless act will impact so many - not just those who experienced things first hand - but all those with connections to the victims, residents, the town, or just the widespread connection with the idea of attending a July 4th parade and not being safe.

A traumatic event like this can impact everyone differently, and we are working to support individual needs the best we can with our staff and resources. Unfortunately, many counseling agencies, including FSC, are currently experiencing wait lists for taking on new multi-session counseling clients. However, we are currently offering single session crisis counseling for those in need now. Call FSC at 847-251-7350 to learn more.

Many local agencies are working together to support the community and provide available resources.

CATCH has compiled a broader list of local trauma-informed therapists on their website, (which includes FSC): https://catchiscommunity.org/local-trauma-informed-therapists

Compass Health Center is offering virtual post-crisis support groups: Link here to learn more and register.

Below are links to resources from the National Child Trauma Stress Network that families and individuals may find helpful now and in the coming days.

We are stronger together. You are not alone.
When Scary Things Happen:
Talking to Children
"CHECK IN WITH YOURSELF, FIRST
Before talking with a youth, check in with yourself (How am I feeling? What do I need?) so that you are calm and grounded during the conversation. Just as youth have feelings about these experiences, so do adults. You might feel scared, worried, overwhelmed, angry, helpless, sad, and/or concerned. You might feel distracted, scattered, confused,
or even numb. These feelings, in both adults and youth, are completely normal following a traumatic experience."
Coping after Mass Violence
"Mass violence is shocking and can make you fear for your safety. If the people at the event or those who were killed were
doing things that you often do, in places you frequent often, it can contribute to your fear, anxiety, and feelings of not
being safe. Fear and not feeling safe are common reactions after mass violence."
For Teens: Coping after Mass Violence
"After mass violence, media and social media coverage is constant. You may be tempted to stay glued to your phone, but
this can cause even more distress. Try to disconnect from the news and social media at least for several hours every
day."
Talking to Children about the Shooting
"Children/Teens may think about this event, even when they try not to. Their sleep and appetite routines may change. In general, you should see these reactions lessen within a few weeks."
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Family Service Center is a community-based, not-for-profit, mental health agency that provides a range of mental health services for individuals, couples, and families. We believe everyone deserves access to quality services and we remove financial barriers to making that happen at FSC.

Where there is a need for counseling and family support, FSC's experienced, compassionate clinicians are here for you.

Call us to learn more: 847-251-7350

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