ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — John Hopkins All Children’s Hospital is holding a free mental health event Monday for parents and teens due to the spike in anxiety caused by school safety fears.
Trauma psychologist Dr. Kristin Hoffman, one of the doctors on hand to help people feel a sense of safety again, is also a mother. She is trying to make sense of things, too.
“The thought of someone going in and hurting my child is terrifying," said Dr. Hoffman. "I’m still a parent. It’s a natural response to an event like this.”
Doctors, law enforcement officers and more will be on hand to discuss how to identify and ease anxiety related to violent current events.
A few things that will be discussed is the importance of talking with your children about tragedies like the Parkland shooting.
“Have you heard about what is going on in Parkland?" said Dr. Hoffman. "What are you feeling? What questions do you have?”
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Dr. Hoffman also offers a warning.
“After tragedies like this, limiting social media becomes so much more important," said Dr. Hoffman.
Children under 13 are not recommended to attend as the program is directed towards parents and teens.
The event starts at 5:30 p.m. with a buffet dinner.
Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital Education and Conference Center
701 4th Street South
St. Petersburg
For more information or to RSVP, click here.
