When met with the brutality that we are witnessing in our world, in our own neighborhoods, grocery stores, and elementary classrooms, it is hard to know what to say or what to do.
We must honor the lives lost. We must grieve. Question. Be angry.
But we can't allow ourselves to become numb. Or give in to the darkness. Or let it swallow our ability to reach out to another.
We must take action.
- Is addressing public policy or legislation your next step?
- Do you feel called to become a counselor or teacher?
- Can you volunteer at our schools or nonprofits, making sure that every youth in our community knows that they have someone in their corner?
Our paths may be different, but we all can and have to do something about this crisis in our nation.
And Never Forget
If you know someone who you believe would take their own life or others, don’t ignore the signs. Say something.
And if that someone is you - please ask for help. You are worth saving too.
Resources
A few resource numbers are listed below but you can also dial 2-1-1 to find resources nearest to you and your situation.
- Vaya Health’s 24-hour mental health crisis line is 800-849-6127
- Catholic Charities Asheville office has sliding scale counseling at 828-255-0146
- Clearly, 911 is an important call to make if you believe there is an imminent threat but you can also contact
- Asheville Crime Stoppers, 828-255-5050 or Text TIP2APD to 847411
- Buncombe Sheriff takes tips via a form on their website and their non-emergency number is 828-250-6670
And you can take action and get involved with any number of local nonprofits working to support youth in our community
Books to help young children process scary news (taken from recommendations by A Mighty Girl)
- "What to Do When the News Scares You" is available at https://www.amightygirl.com/what-to-do-news-scares-you
- Dawn Huebner has also released a similar book for kids 6 to 12, "Something Bad Happened: A Kid's Guide to Coping With Events in the News," at https://amzn.to/3lEjJFV
- For parents and educators, there's an excellent guide filled with conversation scripts and tips on helping kids feel calm in an anxious world, "When the World Feels Like a Scary Place" at https://www.amightygirl.com/world-scary-place
- For a simple yet powerful picture book that reassures kids that the world is filled with helpful and friendly people -- and serves as a counterpoint to scary news stories -- check out "Most People" for ages 4 to 7 at https://amzn.to/3wKwNzL
- For more books to help kids of all ages manage their worries, visit our blog post "25 Books to Help Kids Overcome Anxiety, Worry, and Fear" at https://www.amightygirl.com/blog?p=22612
