WYNNE — Following recent tragic events, the Odell McCallum Community Center partnered with Changes Behavioral Health in Wynne for a free counseling service event. The event also included representatives from the Cross County Sheriff’s Office.
Amber Powell, clinical director for Changes Behavioral Health, said traumatic events such as the deadly shooting the weekend of prom can affect people both emotionally and physically.
“For kids under 6, they can be more clingy to adults and parents. Acting out the scary event during any form of play they may be having,” she said. “[They may] become withdrawn, not talking as much. Some could start wetting the bed if they were already toilet trained.”
Powell said the signs for adults are different.
“Some of the symptoms they could have is worrying a lot, feeling anxious, sad or fearful,” she said. “Becoming isolated from family and friends, having nightmares, difficulty sleeping. Feeling frightened, having flashbacks of the experience, trouble thinking clearly. Just allowing everybody to understand if they continue to have those symptoms that they might need to seek out professional help.”
Changes Behavioral Health has partnered with the Wynne School District on a 12-month federal SERV grant to help provide mental health services for those affected by last year’s tornado.
