BHcare offers help on managing mental health after shooting incidents

BRANFORD - The recent community shooting is an isolated incident that is part of other isolated incidents happening across the nation. 

Realizing that many community residents who live or work in the area heard the gunfire, were in lockdown, witnessed the scene, or needed to shelter in area businesses and buildings will be working through the effects of this experience over the next several days, weeks, months and years.

There is a wide range of physical and emotional symptoms one can experience from this kind of trauma.

Physical symptoms may include insomnia or nightmares, fatigue, being startled easily, racing heartbeat, edginess and agitation, aches and pains, muscle tension, increase use of alcohol or other drugs. 

Emotional symptoms may include shock, denial, or disbelief, confusion, difficulty concentrating, anger, irritability, mood swings, anxiety and fear, guilt, shame, self-blame, withdrawing from others, feeling sad or hopeless and/or feeling disconnected or numb.

How can you help? You can be empathetic and increase your observation and listening skills. While it is easy for us to observe signs, we may not always see the symptoms a person is experiencing.  

By implementing the Mental Health First Aid USA Action Plan called ALGEE, you can assist and refer to appropriate professional help when needed. 

The five-step action plan helps you to:

 1.)Approach, assess and assist with any crisis, 2.) Listen non-judgmentally, 3.) Give support and information, 4) Encourage appropriate professional help and 5.) Encourage other supports. 

If you or someone you care about needs to be bridged to professional help, BHcare is here for you. 

Our experienced and professional staff are trained in evidence-based practices and are available to help. Call today at (203) 800-7177. 

Whether you lived through the trauma yourself, are a relative of someone who did or witnessed the aftermath on the news or social media, it is crucial for everyone to understand their emotions and develop strategies to cope.

BHcare is a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic. 

We offer a comprehensive and integrated system of care, with “wrap-around” services for adults, children and families struggling with mental health, substance use, domestic violence, and other health-risk behaviors. 

Learn more at BHcare.org.

This is press release from Pam Mautte, Director, Alliance for Prevention & Wellness.