A local psychologist says it’s OK to feel like you need to take a break from news headlines if you’re still feeling sad or angry following Saturday’s synagogue shooting.
“We don’t have the capacity to stay in that place. We need to take breaks, and turn the news off. And take care of ourselves, our families and our neighbors. It’s an important coping mechanism to be able to do that,” Dr. Lisa Osachy, the director of the Student Counseling Center at Slippery Rock University, said in an interview.
Dr. Osachy was born and raised in Squirrel Hill and Tree of Life was her synagogue growing up. But, she says you don’t have to have a personal connection to the incident to feel deeply connected and disturbed.
“We are all humans and we all can relate to these tragic events,” she said. “It can particularly affect people who have had trauma in the past. It can bring back losses.”
As far as talking to children about tragic incidents, she says it depends on the age of the child. She points to resources from the American Psychological Association for suggestions on what to say.
She says it’s very important to reassure children that they’re safe.
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