Coping with tragedy, trauma takes many forms Posted On: Friday, Nov. 6 2009 05:22 AM Special to the Daily Herald

As a mental healthcare professional, Dorothy Pace stated in the press release the following advice on coping with the long- and short-term affects of the Fort Hood mass shooting tragedy.

Some are able to cope by using tools they have learned to cope individually such as getting plenty of rest, exercising, eating regularly and ensuring that their daily routines are kept, Pace said.

Others may become hyper vigilant, meaning that they are more susceptible to tuning in strange or unusual noises in a manner that they did not before. At that point, that person should step back and assess the magnitude of how it affects them.

Parents are often concerned how to address this situation with children that were affected by this tragedy. Pace says that she has found in working with children affected by disasters a child tends to cope well and often find the positive side in the situation, such as being released early from school. Many times children follow the emotions of their surroundings such as how an adult reacts to the situation; therefore it is important to remain calm and work through the feelings on an individual basis and even enlisting that help of a professional if needed, Pace said.

In the days following the event, people will recover at a different rate. Families and friends are encouraged to support one another and express concern to those who are having a difficult time recovering to seek additional support.