Newtown, Connecticut Shooting: Coping with traumatic events

Today’s news of the tragic shooting at an elementary school in Newton, Connecticut has shocked the entire nation as once again a mass shooting has robbed youth of their lives for no apparent reason. What I know about this country is when tragedy strikes, the entire nation unites in support of families and victims of horrific events like these. Words cannot describe what the families of victims are going through and surely they will be in everyone’s prayers. School shootings are traumatic events for all involved. Survivors frequently struggle with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. An article written by Susan Donaldson James in 2009 for abcnews.com spoke with survivors, both students and teachers, of the Columbine shooting. 10 years later some survivors report that coping remains a struggle and certain triggers can unleash grief. The survivor interviewed in the article credits counseling with helping him grieve and learning to cope with what happened.
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Anxiety Disorders and Teenagers : Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment for Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety Disorders and Teenagers : Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment for Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety is a normal part of the human psyche.  Everyone has felt the effects of temporary anxiety. Moments before giving a big presentation, taking a tough exam, or other stressful events can temporarily raise your heart rate, make your stomach turn, and make you sweat. Anxiety is a necessary mental reaction to help prepare you for anticipated difficult situations. It can help keep you focused, alert, and motivated to solve problems. These reactions to stress are very common but what is the difference between normal anxiety and an anxiety disorder that requires professional help? Much like the difference between occasional sadness and depression, anxiety becomes a disorder when a person is chronically displaying anxiety symptoms and interferes with common day activities and responsibilities. Anxiety disorders can develop at a young age and increase as teenagers get older according to National Comorbidity Survey Replication – Adolescent Supplement (NCS-A).
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