Trauma and Community

Community shootings, such as the events at UNC-Charlotte last week, often have long reaching ripple effects. Those who are immediately involved are hit the hardest, but their impact spreads to the entire community. Traumatic experiences like these can impair sleep, concentration, and make people feel angry, anxious or helpless.

What to do?

It can help to limit media exposure because ongoing coverage often increases anxiety, particularly in young children but also in adults. Watch just enough to get the news, but not so much that the media loop is on repeat. Reading the news is even better as visual images are more likely to trigger traumatic reactions in the brain.

Remember that having a  response to these events is normal. If your feelings don’t appear to be improving or seem unmanageable, know that help is available. Let our new patient staff know if you are in distress about a recent traumatic event and we will do our best to fast-track your appointment and get you in with a trauma specialist.

Read more about how to support someone who has been through trauma