For Young People: How to cope with tragic events involving multiple victims or injuries

When a tragic event occurs that results in multiple victims or injuries, it impacts everyone in the community. Coping with such events can be incredibly stressful, and it can be challenging to know where to start or how to make sense of what happened.

Over time, most people begin to feel better, move forward with their lives, and return to their daily routines. However, understanding how these events affect us can help you take better care of yourself and others.

Here are some common reactions to tragic events.

I feel scared and unsafe

Experiencing a tragic event can be shocking and raise concerns about your own safety. If the victims were doing something you normally do or were in a place you often visit, it's natural to feel scared, anxious, and unsafe. It's important to remember that feeling scared is not shameful and is a common reaction, even for adults, especially after such events. Know that adults, including parents, teachers, doctors, and psychologists, are working hard to improve your safety and the safety of the entire community. As a young person, you can also play a significant role in these efforts. For example, you can advocate for safety measures that you believe will benefit your community.

I have trouble returning to normal activities.

After a tragic event, many young people will experience similar reactions:

• Sleep problems (can't fall asleep or wake up often during the night, sleep restlessly, have nightmares).
• Issues with concentration and focus at school (I can't get anything done, I'm confused, I feel like my brain is in a fog).
• Feelings of sadness, anger, confusion, or fear that a tragic event could happen again.
• Feeling isolated or distant from family and/or friends (they don't understand me, I feel lonely).
• I can't get rid of the thoughts and/or images of the tragic event.
• I'm not interested in things that used to be important/interesting to me.
• I have headaches, stomach pain, I feel like my heart is pounding or my appetite has changed.
• Some images, sounds, smells, and scenes remind me of the tragic event.
• Constant nervousness, tension, and readiness to "defend" against some danger.

If you or someone you know has lost a loved one or close friend, other reactions may arise. Everyone grieves differently, and there is no one "right" way to grieve.

I am worried about my family or loved ones.

As a young person, you are in a phase of becoming more independent and developing your own values and interests. After a tragic event with multiple victims or injuries, you may start to care about the well-being of your loved ones in a different way or even more than usual.

For instance, such events often make us more aware of how they affect our older or younger siblings, leading us to act more protectively towards them. If you notice that your parents are very upset by the event, you might avoid discussing your own feelings with them to spare them additional stress. However, it's important to have an adult in your life with whom you can talk about what happened and how you feel.

My everyday problems are getting harder and harder.

Young people face various challenges, such as adjusting to school, balancing other responsibilities and activities, planning for high school or university enrollment, peer pressure, problems at home or in a romantic relationship.

When a tragic event occurs, it may seem like all your everyday problems are insignificant in comparison to the situation. However, such an event can actually exacerbate the issues you are already facing or make them seem much bigger and more difficult to handle. This is especially true if you have had previous experiences with trauma, anxiety, depression, or similar conditions.

Search for meaning

Understanding why tragic events happen or why someone would hurt or take the lives of others, whether intentionally or through negligence, can be incredibly difficult. Such events can make you question your trust in others, your beliefs, and the way you think about the world and people around you. Finding meaning after such an event is a significant challenge. Engaging in activities like reading, and talking to friends, family, or a psychologist can be helpful in navigating this process.