SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio mother says the tragedy in South Florida immediately struck home when she heard the news.

"The minute you hear of a tragedy such as this, your mind goes immediately to your own children," said Mary Beth Fisk.

Fisk’s 16-year-old son, David was in class at his San Antonio high school when a mass shooting unfolded at a school in Parkland, Florida. The gunman left as many as 17 people dead.

“As a parent, it is very disconcerting,” said Fisk.

Not only a mother, Fisk is the executive director and a mental health expert at The Ecumenical Center in the medical center.

"As a parent I'm going to say to my son, “’s there anything [you need]? Did you hear about this event? Do you have any questions,’” said Fisk.

While the scene is states away, images on television could bring about fear for those who sit in classrooms every day. It could also impact those who have lived through similar tragedies, like many from Sutherland Springs.

"It's important that when you feel those overwhelming feelings of sadness or despair, is to look to ways or strategies for which you can cope with that,” Fisk said.

Fisk recommends limiting media exposure, talking with family and seeking a counselor's help. Coping techniques experts from the center have used with patients overcoming the shooting at the South Texas church.

"If you had a similar situation in your past that has triggered a response today tell your story in a safe way," said Fisk.

According to Fisk, the Parkland community will face a new normal in the days to come, which is something all too familiar in for people in Sutherland Springs.