On August 27, 2025, an unimaginable tragedy took place at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, MN, when two children were killed, and 18 others were injured. In the wake of such great atrocity and violence, specifically the death of two young children, we ask ourselves, “What should we do?” and “Where is God in the midst of this?”
For eons, philosophers and theologians have wrestled with the question, “Where is God in the midst of chaos and tragedy?”
But I know two things to be true as Christians: we’re called to show up and speak into the lives of people following a crisis or death of a loved one. And when we show up, God works in and through our loving actions. This is the time to give the comfort that comes from the love of God.
Here are some thoughts from our Community Mental Health Coordinator, Jenelle Thorvilson to help navigate the many emotions you may be feeling.
Mike Carlson
Lead Pastor
TIPS FOR MANAGING EMOTIONS FOLLOWING A CRISIS
By Jenelle Thorvilson
Community Mental Health Coordinator
I find these tips for centering yourself, naming your emotions, and seeking support to be really helpful tactics to navigate the rocky road following a heinous crime such as this.
Take time to regulate yourself using breathing and or grounding techniques.
Our sympathetic nervous system is activated (fight, flight, freeze, fawn mode) after a tragedy. This mode doesn’t allow us to think rationally or regulate our emotions. Once we can calm our bodies, our minds follow, and we are more equipped to recognize what is happening for us and respond.
It’s important to recognize a variety of emotions can arise. Honor them, all are valid.
It’s common for a wide range of emotions to arise after a traumatic event. Give yourself permission to recognize/acknowledge and feel these emotions. Physical symptoms may also occur, such as difficulty focusing, sleeping, feeling exhausted, or loss of appetite. These are all normal responses to something traumatic—give yourself time and grace to experience these things.
Look and ask for support and care from family and friends.
Talk about what you’re feeling and experiencing. This can help you find comfort as well as help you not feel alone.
Recognize the negative bias that comes with trauma/tragedy.
Notice how your outlook may look more pessimistic after something awful happens. Try to gain balance by reminding yourself of the people and events that are positive and meaningful. This can help you shift to a healthier perspective. This is not to “silver line” the experience—it’s to recognize your focus has changed, and that it’s probably not as realistic as it may currently feel.
Take a break from the news about the tragedy and take care of yourself.
Keeping informed can feel important, but you may need to limit media intake due to the increased stress it can cause. Scheduling some breaks is important to reduce your cortisol levels (stress hormone) and try to focus on something that may feel hopeful.
Avoid alcohol and drugs, they can often intensify emotions or suppress feelings rather than manage them.
Try to reestablish routines that feel healthy and helpful for you as you are coping with these tragic events, such as eating well-balanced meals at regular times, getting regular physical activity, and plenty of rest.
Remember, you need to take care of yourself before you can help take care of others.
Practice empathetic listening with others.
Show care and concern for another person’s feelings and point of view. It’s important to provide a space for others that feels safe and lacks judgment.
Empathetic listening means providing an experience that feels like “I care, I’m here for you, and you’re not alone.”
Help others on a broader spectrum.
Look for resources in your community for ways you can help those who are affected, such as giving blood, showing support, or contributing to a memorial. This not only helps others but can also help you feel better by being part of a solution.
Show yourself (and others) grace.
Experiencing something traumatic and the grieving that follows can be a long process. Give yourself time to experience your feelings and recover. There will be ups and downs along the way.
Hopefully, these tips are helpful, but if you need help walking through these difficult times we are here for you. You can schedule a time with Jenelle or find your other professionals to walk with you as you heal.