The effects of the recent shootings in California are manifold. They can affect directly involved people and similar community groups and can be triggers.
One of the attacks occurred during the Chinese New Year celebrations. This is the time when prosperity and goodwill are the focus of the celebration. Many in the Asian and Pacific Islander communities feel that these recent mass shootings have created fear, grief and trauma, ruining their festivities.
Therapists and mental health professionals stress the importance of discussing these feelings, but this can often be difficult.
“Unfortunately, there is still a stigma against mental health in our society where people think you have to be ‘crazy’ to talk to a mental health professional, which is not the case at all. is not.
Tremble, the clinical director of telemental health training at the University of San Diego, believes it’s important to recognize when people are being targeted on an ongoing basis, even if they aren’t on the sidelines and aren’t members of it. sharing. For example, if you are a particular ethnic group or race, or a ballroom dancer or a farmer, you can strengthen your solidarity.
“I think it’s important to reach out to your friends and say, ‘How are you? Are you okay? Need to talk even if you don’t want to? I can sit with you.'” explained Tremble.
Tremble also recognizes the importance of processing your emotions. This is because it can be an intergenerational trauma if people are not given the opportunity to process what is happening in their community.
Mental health and trauma therapists are also encouraging people in need to call 988, the new national suicide and crisis lifeline number. A hotline provides someone to listen to your mental health needs.
