FLINT, Mich. — Genesee Health System is here for Genesee County families and community during this difficult time with mental health advice, tips and resources.

Jennifer Mccarty, Chief Operations Officer at GHS, says that during or after times of crisis it can be difficult to determine if you need help, and if any is available.

Genesee Health System will provide free mental health services for the community and is also offering up tips for adults and for children to get through this tough time.

Individuals experiencing a mental health crisis can call Genesee Health System at (810) 257-3740 or text GHS to WEGOTU (934688) 24/7 for free behavioral health crisis triage, support, resources, and referral to local services. You can also click this link to head straight to their website for more tips and resources.

Tips for Adults:

Everyone experiences events and trauma in different ways, and however they think or feel after an event like this is okay. Some people respond with fear, others with anger, and some with shock, sadness, and so on. Encourage people to share their thoughts and feelings. Seek support from friends, family, or professionals if necessary.

Try to get back to routines and schedules to promote feelings of consistency and balance to reduce fear and provide a sense of returning control and predictability.

Be mindful to consider the amount of exposure to the news/media, particularly to children. It is okay to keep updated, but continuing to view the images, etc., will worsen and prolong the issues the person is experiencing.

Tips for Parents:

Acknowledge what happened. If your child is talking or asking about traumatic events, it is important for the caregivers / loved ones in their life to acknowledge what happened, provide age-appropriate information, and be supportive.

Parents may want to approach older children who may have seen the news or videos on social media and find out what they know and what their thoughts/feelings are about what happened.

Recognize the effect this has on your child. Talk to your child about their thoughts and emotions related to the event and validate their feelings and concerns. With mass shootings in public places and places of worship, this is a valid concern for them, and all adults need to take their viewpoint and concerns into consideration.

Help your child to feel safe. A sense of normalcy and routine as soon as possible after an event helps to re-establish a child’s sense of safety and structure. Discuss the positive aspects that can be found in tragic events, such as the swift police response, and how community members and citizens across the country are coming together to support those affected