IOWA CITY, Iowa (WOI) – In the wake of Sunday’s shooting in Iowa City, mental health experts say connection is especially important, because the body’s natural response to a tragedy is to isolate and shut down, WOI reports.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in Iowa says now is the perfect time to take a pause and evaluate what’s going on around you.
“Checking in and staying in touch and staying connected with your people is important because that is mental health,” said Ryan Crane, Executive Director of NAMI Iowa. “We check in with each other, we stay connected because when we don’t, that is when we isolate, that is when we shut ourselves off from the world.”
He also shared for parents that it’s important to let your kids know that it’s okay to be scared, but emphasize that they are safe.
“It’s ok as an adult to say we don’t know why these things happen or telling them ‘it’s not your fault they couldn’t have done anything to prevent it,’” said Crane.
The University of Iowa shared support resources for students, including the University Counseling Service, Student Care and Assistance, and the 24-hour crisis and support line.
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