This information from Mid Ulster District Council gives practical advice on how families can help and support young people in the weeks and months following a trauma: https://www.midulstercouncil.org/…/Greenvale-Hotel-Tragedy-…

Advice for parents, caregivers and teachers who are supporting children and young people involved in major trauma.

In the first few days after a trauma:

• Experiencing some distress is entirely normal. This might include difficulties sleeping, thoughts and memories of what has happened popping into mind, bad dreams, irritability, feeling low, behavioural problems and avoiding activities they used to enjoy. There is no one way of feeling after a trauma. – Children and young people will usually benefit from being with their family and friends.
• Returning to school and continuing with normal routines is generally helpful.
• It is important for children and young people to know that they can talk at home and at school about what has happened, if they wish.
• It can be helpful to acknowledge that what happened is very serious, while also recognising that it is a very rare event.
• There is no particular treatment that it is important to offer at this stage.

In the following weeks and months:

• Many children and young people will find their initial difficulties settle down and they continue as they did before the trauma.
• However, some children and young people may have difficulties that persist.
• Their difficulties may not be visible to others; don’t assume they are doing fine just because you have not seen any changes. They may lack the language and skills to communicate their distress.
• It is important to consider a “check in” 1-3 months post-trauma, to identify any children and young people who are still suffering psychologically.
• Questionnaire measures are available for this (e.g. the CRIES-8), but a simple discussion may also be appropriate.
• Support is available for children and young people after trauma. Schools and GPs would be able to advise on the best way to seek help.

Download a copy of this advice here.

If you are in distress or despair, call Lifeline, a crisis response helpline operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week and talk to an experienced counsellor in confidence: 0808 808 8000

For help, advice about mental health, for yourself or someone else and for information about how to access services, visit www.mindingyourhead.info