On Wednesday, October 25th, another mass shooting and unthinkable tragedy occurred at a bowling alley and restaurant in Lewiston, Maine. As the full extent of this tragedy continues to unravel, it’s natural to feel a mixture of emotions—shock, sorrow, anger, and sadness. In these situations, it’s crucial to prioritize your physical safety and nurture your mental and emotional well-being.
It is perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed and distressed by such a devastating incident. To anyone who needs support, please remember that you are not alone. Whether you are directly or indirectly impacted by these tragedies, the following resources provide mental health support, guidance for discussing tragedies with children, and information on crisis preparedness.
As of October 26, 2023, the following communities are sheltering in place:
Continue to check back or visit your city’s website for any shelter in place orders.
Mental Health Resources
- Coping with Traumatic Events
- Managing Stress in Times of Crisis
- Media Coverage of Traumatic Events
- Coping in the Aftermath of a Shooting | American Counseling Association (ACA)
- Managing Your Distress in the Aftermath of a Shooting | American Psychological Association (APA)
- Coping with Stress Following a Mass Shooting | Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress (CSTS)
Resources for Parents
- Helping Children Cope with Disaster
- Helping Children Cope with Traumatic Events and Emergencies
- How to Talk with Kids About Tragedies & Other Traumatic News Events | American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
- Talking to Children About the Shooting | The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN)
- Psychological Impact of the Recent Shooting | NCTSN
- Age-Related Reactions to a Traumatic Event | NCTSN
- Helping Your Children Manage Distress in the Aftermath of a Shooting | APA
- How to Talk to Children About Difficult News | APA
- Talking to Kids When They Need Help | APA
- Restoring a Sense of Safety in the Aftermath of a Mass Shooting: Tips for Parents and Professionals | CSTS
- Resources for Helping Youth Cope after a Mass Shooting | Youth.Gov
Active Shooter Preparedness
- Be Prepared for an Active Shooter | FEMA.Gov
- Active Shooter Preparedness | CISA.Gov
- Attacks in Crowded and Public Spaces | Ready.Gov
- Active Shooter Safety Resources | FBI.Gov
Additional Resources
- The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC): The OVC provides a range of resources and services for victims of crime, including mass violence. Victims of crime may be eligible for crime victim compensation benefits, including reimbursement for medical services, mental health counseling, lost wages, and other costs incurred as a result of the crime.
- National Center for Victims of Crime: The National Center for Victims of Crime provides a range of resources and services for victims of mass violence, including crisis intervention, emotional support, and assistance with navigating the criminal justice system.
- American Red Cross: The American Red Cross provides assistance to victims of disasters, including mass shootings. They can help with emergency financial assistance, mental health support, and other services.
- National Compassion Fund: The National Compassion Fund provides a single, trusted way for the public to donate directly to victims of mass shootings. The fund distributes 100% of the donations received to the victims and their families.
- National Mass Violence and Victimization Resource Center (NMVVRC): NMVVRC provides a range of resources for victims of mass violence, including information on trauma and coping strategies, victim advocacy, and more.
- The National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA): NOVA is a nonprofit organization that provides support, advocacy, and resources to victims of crime and trauma. They offer a range of services, including crisis intervention, counseling, and referrals to local resources.
For any members looking for personalized support through your Assistance Program, visit our member support page or reach out to your Assistance Program directly anytime.
