As Utahns and other Americans grapple with their individual responses to the shooting death of Charlie Kirk on Wednesday, many people are processing this event in different ways. It’s normal to see a wide range of emotional reactions in response to a traumatic event. During this time, the Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) wants to remind the public that there are many free crisis resources in Utah for anyone who needs help.
“We all react to stressful or traumatic events differently. People may have intrusive thoughts, avoid things that remind them of the event or trauma, and have a range of feelings and emotional or behavioral reactions,” said Eric Tadehara, interim director of the DHHS Office of Substance Use and Mental Health. “What’s most important to remember is there is help and support available. Healing takes time. You don’t have to get through this alone.”
“In the wake of a traumatic event, we see a range of reactions and feelings from members of our community. Whether you’re feeling scared, anxious, overwhelmed, or just need someone to talk to, Utah has incredible mental health services available so you don’t have to go through those feelings alone. Call, chat or text 988 to connect with a crisis worker at the Utah Crisis Line 24/7, at no cost. They can help work through your feelings and make appropriate connections to other mental health resources across the state. Our team is here around the clock to support Utahns in need,” said Rachel Lucynski, director of Community Crisis Intervention and Support Services at Huntsman Mental Health Institute.
How does the human brain process tragedy and trauma?
When a person experiences a traumatic event, the brain’s stress response system goes into overdrive. We all respond to trauma differently but we can expect various emotions like fear, anger, sadness and even shame. You may also experience physical symptoms including stomach aches or headaches, which may be a physical response to the trauma. Recognizing the way we respond to trauma can vary depending on multiple factors including a person’s age.
How is that stress handled differently depending on a person’s age?
- Children: Young children may not have the verbal skills to express their feelings, so their distress may manifest as behavioral changes, such as acting out, bedwetting, or regressing to earlier developmental stages. They may have difficulty sleeping or become clingy. Older children and adolescents may show signs of anxiety, depression, or anger. They may also withdraw from friends and family or engage in risky behaviors.
- Adults: Adults may experience a wide range of symptoms, including flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and avoidance of reminders of the trauma. They may also struggle with feelings of guilt, shame, or detachment.
- Older adults: Some older adults may be more resilient due to their life experiences, but they may also be vulnerable in other ways. They may not recognize or report their symptoms, or they may have pre-existing health conditions that are worsened by stress. They may also struggle with feelings of isolation.
What does the recovery process look like? How long does it take to know if you or someone else is OK or needs help?
Recovery is not a linear process. It often involves self-care and social support, and may include therapy. For some, the symptoms may subside within a few days or weeks. For others, they may persist for months or years and require professional help. It’s important to remember that there is no “normal” timeline for recovery. A person may need professional help if their symptoms are severe, persistent, and interfere with their daily life, work, or relationships.
How is recovery similar to grief?
Grief and trauma are both responses to loss. Grief is a natural response to the loss of a loved one, while trauma is a response to a shocking or life-threatening event. Both processes can involve a wide range of emotions, including sadness, anger, and denial. Both require time to heal and a person’s ability to heal is often aided by social support.
How can parents help their children understand or process traumatic events in a safe way?
- Create a safe and predictable environment: Maintain routines and schedules to provide a sense of stability.
- Encourage open communication: Let your children know it is okay to ask questions and express their feelings.
- Listen without judgment: Validate their emotions and reassure them that their feelings are normal.
- Limit media exposure: Protect children from repeated and graphic news coverage.
- Model healthy coping: Show them how you are dealing with your own feelings in a healthy way.
When should you reach out for professional help?
Consider reaching out to a professional if:
- Symptoms are getting worse or are not improving over time.
- Symptoms are interfering with your daily life, work, or relationships.
- You are turning to drugs or alcohol to cope.
- You are having thoughts of harming yourself or others.
What are some tips that can help?
- Practice self-care: Make sure you are getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, and exercising.
- Limit exposure to news and social media: Take a break from constant updates that can be overwhelming and re-traumatizing.
- Connect with others: Spend time with people who you trust and who make you feel safe.
- Engage in relaxing activities: Practice mindfulness, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.
- Find a way to help others: Volunteering or helping out in your community can be a way to regain a sense of control and purpose.
How can I support someone who is struggling?
- Listen with empathy: Be a good listener and let the person know you are there for them.
- Avoid clichés: Don’t say things like “everything happens for a reason.” Instead, use phrases like, “I’m so sorry this happened,” or “I’m here for you.”
- Offer practical help: Help with daily tasks like preparing a meal or running an errand.
- Encourage professional help: As the need may arise, gently suggest that they might benefit from talking to a professional. Offer to call 988 with them so they don’t feel alone.
- Respect their privacy and boundaries: Allow them to share only what they are comfortable sharing.
This information is for educational purposes only. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please seek immediate help. You can call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
There are many free resources in Utah to help you.
Call 911 if you or someone else are in danger or in an emergency. Call 988 if you need any help with any emotional, mental health, or behavioral health problem—it doesn’t have to be an emergency.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline https://988lifeline.org
Call, text, or chat 988 if you are having a hard time. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a free, confidential hotline available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Crisis workers are available to help if you or someone you know is in distress, thinking of suicide or exhibiting warning signs, or needs emotional support. Interpreters who speak more than 150 languages are available.
SafeUT apps https://safeut.org/
Download the SafeUT apps to chat with a licensed counselor for support or submit a confidential tip right from your phone. The apps are free and available for iPhone and Android devices. SafeUT is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. There are different apps for different groups of people.
- SafeUT.org and the SafeUT app is for students, parents, and educators (K-12 grade and higher education).
- SafeUT Frontline is for first responders and frontline healthcare workers and their families.
- SafeUTNG is for members of the Utah National Guard and their families.
Warm Line 833-773-2588
Sometimes you just need someone to talk to as you heal and recover from a personal struggle. Peer support specialists (people who have had similar challenges) answer your call. It’s free and open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day.
Huntsman Mental Health Institute https://healthcare.utah.edu/hmhi 801-583-2500
Huntsman Mental Health Institute offers a wide variety of programs and services including suicide prevention and crisis services, hospital treatment, therapy and medication management, substance use and addiction recovery, child and teen programs, and more.
Behavioral Health Services Navigation https://intermountainhealthcare.org/services/behavioral-health 833-442-2211 for adults or 801-313-7711 for kids and teens
This hotline is sponsored by Intermountain Health and is free for anyone who needs help finding mental health or behavioral support.
Healthy Minds Utah https://healthyminds.utah.gov/
HealthyMinds Utah offers free, anonymous, and private mental health or substance use questionnaires for everyone in Utah. These questionnaires are quick to take, based on research, and provide connections to resources. They can help you understand what you might be feeling, but they are not a diagnosis.
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