Dealing With Emotional Trauma: Community Insights From UB Experts

By Christopher Schobert

In the last nine months, Western New York has faced tragedies, crises, and catastrophes. These experiences have been difficult on the entire community and have left deep emotional scars. Many have wondered how to deal with the lasting trauma of these events.

Sharing guidance and recommendations during these trying times are three experts from the University at Buffalo:

• Isok Kim, PhD, MA, MSW, Associate Professor and Director of the Master of Social Work Program, School of Social Work
• Neil McGillicuddy, PhD, Employee Assistance Consultant, Employee Assistance Program, Human Resources, Division of Finance and Administration
• Mickey Sperlich, PhD, MA, MSW, Assistant Professor, School of Social Work

Here, these experts offer some thoughts on how to help each other — and yourself. 

Given the events of the last year— the mass shooting in May, the December blizzard, and the Damar Hamlin injury and the Dartmouth Avenue fire in January, among others — what are some recommendations for how Western New Yorkers can take care of their mental health during these difficult times?

Kim: We certainly had our share of challenges that tested our collective resilience as a community. When bad things keep happening beyond our individual control, it’s important to recognize and try to focus on things we can control.

What we experienced is collective trauma — because these are indeed traumas that had a community-level impact — and it’s okay to accept the fact that it will disrupt our individual lives in some shape or form for some time and to look for support and help from others. Likewise, it is also important to accept and acknowledge when others seem to struggle.

McGillicuddy: Attending to one’s mental health is important during these trying times. We don’t need to wait to be asked how we are feeling; we can openly share this information with our loved ones. Also, when we are asked how we are, be honest. And if someone tells you they are fine, ask them, “Are you really?” People will be more likely to open up if they believe the person asking the question is genuine.

We can also take proactive steps to maintain our mental health, through self-care. Many people like to take care of others more than themselves, but if you don’t refill your self-care tank, you may burn out and be unable to help anyone.

There are times when we need help because we are unable to do it all alone. That help may come from a friend, spiritual counselor, mental health therapist, or workplace employee assistance program. Sean McDermott, head coach of the Buffalo Bills, noted the value of mental health counseling in a recent interview, saying that going for help is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength. And the value of it is that it can help you become healthier. 

Sperlich: Buffalo and Western New York have been really hit hard in the last year. It is common for folks to experience shock, fear, denial, a loss of a sense of safety and security, a loss of control of their lives, and a sense of helplessness and distress from the disruption to their daily routines. Unaddressed, these normative reactions can lead to posttraumatic stress, depression, and anxiety.

Mental Health America outlines several steps folks can take, including talking with others about what you’ve experienced; spending time with friends and family; taking good care of your physical well-being through rest, exercise, and eating well; limiting your exposure to imagery related to the disaster; making time for enjoyable activities; taking one thing at a time to not overload yourself; helping other people who are also going through the hardship; and avoiding drugs and alcohol.

How can we as a community prioritize mental health during times of crisis?

Kim: We can check on one another regularly and intentionally. It goes without saying, but it is important to remind ourselves that everyone reacts and processes crises differently. Therefore, any type of response to a crisis is a normal response, but we need to be intentional about checking in.

McGillicuddy: Communities can continue to prioritize mental health care during times of crisis by normalizing it all year. Mental health assistance is available 24/7, during times of crisis and non-crisis times. People can benefit from help whenever their mental health needs assistance.

Sperlich: Providing emotional support to one another is also critical and can help folks foster positive coping in the aftermath. Adverse mental health reactions can linger; we need to be patient with our loved ones and neighbors, and to keep checking in with them. Families are grieving and suffering, and often, if they don’t get the support they need, they will be at higher risk for long-term problems.

Looking for some helpful community resources? See accompanying Buffalo Research News story for information, links, and phone numbers.

This article was first published by the UB Clinical and Translational Science Institute in Buffalo Research News.