Counselor Dwight Bain spoke with WFTV about how to discuss Sunday's mass shooting -- the largest in U.S. history -- with your family.
Bain says talking about the tragedy is key.
“The research is really clear and it's kind of scary,” Bain said. “If you don't deal with traumatic emotions right now -- especially with young children or with senior citizens or people who are closely affected by it -- then this can turn into post-traumatic stress disorder, which is a debilitating condition.”
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Post-traumatic stress disorder, Bain says, can lead to suicide, depression and even greater psychological problems.
The tragedy can have a ripple effect on the community, Bain says. Those who knew a victim personally will need the greatest level of care.
“There is no answer to the question, ‘Why did this happened?’” Bain says. “Focus on the question, ‘What can you do? What can I do, and what can I do keep my kids safe?’”
Bain says it’s crucial for parents to discuss the terror attack with their children.
“Very young children always look at their mom or dad to see if mom or dad is OK,” he said. “If parents are OK, it helps them get through it.”
Bain said the summer break provides parents more opportunities to discuss the traumatic events.
“Most of Central Florida’s schools are now out for the summer, so there's lots of extra free time,” Bain said. “So I want to make sure we keep young children in very purposeful activities
Fear is natural and normal during traumatic situations, Bain says, but talking about the tragedy is healthy.
“It's normal to be very scared, it's normal to be traumatized by this, because nothing like this has ever happened in our country,” he said. “It’s normal to feel scared. I just don’t want people to stay silent. If you can talk through it, you can get through it.”
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