The grief many people are experiencing after the mass shooting of LGBTQ, Latino young people and others in Orlando on June 12, is a normal response to community violence, Health Department officials say.
“Traumatic events like these—no matter where they take place-- affect almost everyone,’’ said David Hidalgo, director of Mental Health and Addiction Services. “It is natural to feel unsafe, distrustful and to feel like withdrawing from typical activities for a while. People often feel numb or angry,” Hidalgo said. Images can rekindle the memories of an individual’s own traumatic experiences.
Multnomah County Mental Health and Addiction Services staff have deep experience helping people cope with traumatic events, including mass shootings.
“Recovery is a process,’’ Hidalgo said. “It may look different from person to person, but people can and do recover with the support of friends, family and community.”
If you, or someone you know, is experiencing a mental health crisis, there is help available. Call the Multnomah County Crisis Line at (503) 988-4888 to get free, 24/7 support from a mental health professional.
The Urgent Walk in Clinic is open daily from 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., 4112 SE Division St. in Portland. Staff strive to treat every individual as a unique person with their own values, culture and experiences.
Traumatic events can trigger anxiety, grief and despair for anyone, but especially if a group of people are targeted by the violence. These resources can help Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) individuals work through their grief:
- The Trevor Project: 24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ youth.
- TransActive Gender Center: Resources for parents, caregivers and loved ones of LGBTQ youth.
- Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG): Support and resources for LGBTQ individuals, their family members and allies.
It’s also important to remember children, who are also processing the media around these events, need particular attention to cope. Helpful advice is here: Helping children and youth cope (PDF)
