Coping in Response to Tragedy: A Guide for Families

In the wake of the terrorist attack in Israel and the ensuing war in Gaza, as well as terrorism and violence around the world and in our communities, the Center for Youth Mental Health at  NewYork-Presbyterian  Hospital has created a guide to help you and your family with having difficult conversations and coping with tragedies.

In response to these horrific events, the best thing you can do for your kids is to create opportunities for open conversations. These will provide a forum in which your family can share information, ask questions and express feelings.

It's also important to take good care of yourself. You’ll experience the calming benefits of self-care while modeling these behaviors and strategies for your children. None of us can afford to be overwhelmed by our own emotions—especially when our children’s mental health is at stake.  

The mental health providers at the Center for Youth Mental Health developed a special guide titled “Coping in Response to Tragedy.” In its pages, you will find meaningful advice that may help you weather the current crisis and even bring you closer as a family.

"Terrorism and violence around the world and in our communities can leave even those indirectly involved in the tragedies suffering and distressed. Families are particularly vulnerable to the challenges faced during these trying times. To help alleviate the pressure that many parents feel, our care team has developed tools to help families cope and to guide discussions in a developmentally appropriate way.” says Dr. Philip Jonathan Wilner, Executive Vice Chair of the Weill Cornell Medicine Department of Psychiatry and Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of NewYork-Presbyterian Westchester Behavioral Health.