Navigating grief one year after The Covenant School shooting
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — March 27, 2024, marks one year since three students and three staff members were senselessly killed at The Covenant School in Nashville.
“The spectrum of what people will feel today is quite wide and no one’s feelings are wrong in this, they’re just present,” said Amy Jacobs, director of group therapy at Daystar Counseling Ministries.
Since the tragedy took place, Jacobs said Daystar Counseling Ministries has worked with about 100 Covenant families. For students, therapy is free of charge through their high school graduation, thanks to generous donations.
“There’s not a lot you feel like you can do when something like this happens, and so to be able to offer what we’re really great at, which is knowing kids, understanding trauma, being able to walk with that… is a real honor,” said Jacobs.
‘The pain is still very real’: The Covenant School reflects a year after deadly shooting
As Nashvillians navigate the one year anniversary, Jacobs said parents and guardians shouldn’t be afraid to discuss the emotions with their young ones because she said, likely, they are already thinking about it.
She said you can create the opportunity to talk by asking, “Is there anything about today that makes you feel afraid or sad or overwhelmed? I’m in it with you, I’m sad too, I’m overwhelmed too, this is too much. To approach it that way, you’re inviting the kids into it, rather than leaving them alone with that worry.”
Jacobs said the best time to bring up the discussion is while being active.
“As you are taking your kids out for a walk, if you want to talk, the best time to talk is while walking,” said Jacobs. “It’s a gorgeous day outside, put them on a swing, something that moves them back and forth, moving both sides of their body, engaging their brain, that will allow them to talk in a new way.”
She said walking is also one of the best things adults can do for their own mental health.
1 year later: The aftermath of The Covenant School shooting
“These are overwhelming emotions,” said Jacobs. “The best thing we can do for ourselves is move our bodies. Walking offers our body bilateral stimulation which is proven to help regulate the nervous system.”
Jacobs said it’s normal to feel a range of emotions on this day, whether it’s relief to have made it through a year, or heightened grief with the reminder of loss. She said it’s never too late to reach out for support.
“Our doors are open to Covenant families, whether they’ve been here thus far or they’re new to us, we will walk with them through these days,” said Jacobs.
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