Submitted by Bedford Youth and Family Services
In the wake of harrowing national tragedies like the recent Orlando massacre and international terrorism that dominate the media and increase our fear, people of all ages and from all walks of life can experience trauma. Even if a person was not directly involved in the event or connected to a loved one involved, one can still experience secondary trauma; and the signs do not necessarily manifest themselves right away.
Signs of trauma may appear later and may be triggered by other tragedies or losses or social situations. All of us can help someone who struggles with trauma, whether you work in the medical community, are a trained professional, mental health or addictions provider, or are just another caring individual.
In that vein, the National Council for Behavioral Health at www.thenationalcouncil.org/trauma-wake-tragedies/ has resources available on their website which residents might find helpful. The two info graphics listed below are pertinent to trauma in general while the tip sheet and fact sheet are relevant to the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender, questioning) community specifically.
- INFOGRAPHIC: 10 Signs A Person May Be Experiencing Trauma
- INFOGRAPHIC: 10 Tips to Help Someone Experiencing Trauma
- TIP SHEET: Trauma in the LGBTQ Community: What Practitioners Should Know in the Wake of the Orlando Shootings
- FACT SHEET: LGBTQ Mental Health: How the Orlando Shootings Can Broadly Impact This Community
If you desire more information the National Council refers folks to their trauma resource page or SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress resources at www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline
Here in Massachusetts we are fortunate to have a Trauma Center affiliated with JRI, or Justice Resource Institute. Boston Public Health Commission also has a “Trauma Resource Guide” that can be downloaded on line and that lists resources and help. Bedford residents know they can always contact Bedford Youth and Family Services (BYFS) for resources as well as counseling and support through the Town contract with Eliot Community Human Services. Give us a call at 781-275-7727 or check out our webpage on the Town of Bedford website www.bedfordma.gov/youth
Loading ...
