When an event, or series of events, causes a lot of stress, it is called a traumatic event.
Protecting our children from danger whenever possible is a fundamental parenting objective. Still, sometimes traumatic events occur, whether man-made, such as a school shooting or domestic violence, or natural, with flooding or weather-related.
Experiences that might be traumatic include:
- Physical, sexual, or psychological abuse and neglect
- Natural and technological disasters or terrorism
- Family or community violence
- Sudden or violent loss of a loved one
- Substance use disorder (personal or familial)
- Serious accidents or life-threatening illness
- Military family-related stressors (e.g., deployment, parental loss, or injury)
Seymour Library values itself as a safe place and has complied a list of online resources for traumatic events and emergencies:
- NYS Office of Mental Health – Mental Health Resources During an Emergency
- The National Child Traumatic Stress Network – Mass Violence Resources
- Children’s Hospital Los Angeles – National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement
The library also offers a collection of Mental Health Wellness Backpacks as part of their Healing Library.


