The mass shooting in Monterey Park has many of us reeling.
Dr. George Meza, of Meza Mental Health Services in Lawndale, has worked to provide crisis intervention services for people who are suffering trauma because of a mass shooting.
Meza said we experience both psychological and physiological responses to trauma like mass casualty events.
“That kind of surreal feeling? It’s coming because of cortisol flooding in your body due to the reaction to the trauma,” he said.
Read LAist’s guide for where to start when you’re looking for mental health help: Need Some Mental Health Support? Start Here
Steps you can take
Meza recommends:
- Limit how much time you’re exposed to the news on social media or elsewhere
- Take a walk or do something physical to help you work off excess anxiety
- As much as possible, stick to your routines
- Pick one or two people you can have open conversations with about your feelings, perceptions and your concerns
‘How do we even celebrate?’
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Asian Mental Health Collective Board Chair Jeanie Y. Chang said the news of the deadly shooting is hitting Asian Americans like her during what should be a time of celebration. She says communication among loved ones is very important right now.
“Oh my god, how do we even celebrate Lunar New Year? You know?” Chang said. “I’m talking to friends and checking up on each other and saying, ‘Hey, it’s okay if you still need to go to brunch.’ And I’m saying that as a therapist because part of what helps in navigating something very difficult is being with others,” Chang added.
Why taking a step back matters
Dr. Steven…
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