Resources to help cope with news of tragedy

TAMPA - If you or your family have issues or concerns about the Connecticut school shooting, check the following list of resources.

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Tampa Bay Cares

Trained staff are ready to help refer you to a variety of service organizations, everything from counseling to guidance for children. Help is available 24 hours a day, and the call is free.  Dial 2-1-1.  

Find out more at http://www.211tampabay.org/ .

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National Disaster Distress Helpline

The Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH) is dedicated to providing disaster crisis counseling. The toll-free Helpline operates 24 hours-a-day, seven days a week. The free, confidential and multilingual crisis support service is available via telephone ( 1-800-985-5990) and SMS ( Text ‘TalkWithUs’ to 66746) to U.S. residents who are experiencing psychological distress as a result of a natural or man-made disaster, incidents of mass violence or any other disasters. Callers are connected to trained and caring professionals from the closest crisis counseling center in the network. The helpline staff provides confidential counseling, referrals and other needed support services.

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Tips for talking with children

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) offers tips on how to talk to children of various ages about tragedy.  That information can be found at http://www.samhsa.gov/trauma/?from=carousel&position=1&date=12142012

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